Group b adenovirus modified in the e4orf4 region

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to a type B adenovirus wherein E4orf4 is deleted or non-functional and generally having a DNA sequence in the E3 region, in particular viruses of formula (I), compositions containing the virus, for example pharmaceutical formulations of the virus, processes for making the viruses and the compositions and use of any one of the same in treatment, particularly in the treatment of cancer, such as colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer. 
       5′ITR-B 1 -B A -B 2 -B X -B B -B T -B 3 - 3′ ITR   (I)

The present disclosure relates to a type B adenovirus wherein E4orf4 is deleted or non-functional and generally having a DNA sequence in the E3 region, compositions containing the virus, for example pharmaceutical formulations of the virus, processes for making the viruses and the compositions and use of any one of the same in treatment, particularly in the treatment of cancer, such as colorectal cancer and ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND

Enadenotucirev (EnAd; formerly called ColoAd1) is a chimeric oncolytic adenovirus with fibre, penton and hexon from Ad11p. It was created by a bioselection process, WO2005/118825, and has a chimeric E2B region. EnAd is currently in development for the treatment of colorectal cancer and it appears to selectively elicit necrotic death of colon cancer cells in vivo.

The advantageous properties of EnAd were thought to be primarily attributable to the chimeric E2B region. However, the present inventors believe that some of the advantageous properties of EnAd, for example the ability of an infected cell to produce intact new virus particles and to selectively induce necrosis of cancer cells is due at least in part to the E4orf4 deletion.

The present inventors believe this significant insight can be employed to genetically engineer alternative oncolytic viruses and viral vectors.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present disclosure provides an adenovirus having a genome comprising the sequence of formula (l):

5′ITR-B₁-B_(A)-B₂-B_(X)-B_(B)-B_(Y)-B₃-3′ITR   (l)

wherein:

-   -   B₁ is bond or comprises: E1A, E1B or E1A-E1B;     -   B_(A) is E2B-L1-L2-L3-E2A-L4;     -   B₂ comprises a transgene and/or a DNA sequence from an E3 region         encoding protein selected from the group consisting of a 12.1K,         16.1K, 18.5K, 20.3K, 20.6K, 10.3K, 15.2K, 15.3K and combinations         thereof, for example including all said E3 proteins;     -   B_(X) is a bond or a DNA sequence comprising: a restriction         site, one or more transgenes or both;     -   B_(B) is L5;     -   B_(Y) is a bond or a DNA sequence comprising: a restriction         site, one or more transgenes or both;     -   B₃ is an E4 region wherein the region E4orf4 is deleted, for         example partially deleted, truncated or non-functional.         In one embodiment the oncolytic virus has a formula (la):

5′ITR-B₁-B_(A)-B₂-B_(B)-B_(Y)-B₃-3′ITR   (la)

wherein:

-   -   B₁ is a bond or comprises: E1A, E1B or E1A-E1B;     -   B_(A) is E2B-L1-L2-L3-E2A-L4;     -   B₂ is a bond or comprises E3;     -   B_(B) comprises L5;     -   B_(Y) comprises a transgene encoding a B7 protein or an active         fragment thereof; and     -   B₃ is an E4 region wherein the region E4orf4 is deleted, for         example partially deleted, truncated or non-functional.         In one embodiment the adenovirus of the disclosure does not         comprise a transgene.

In one embodiment the adenovirus of the disclosure includes a transgene. Advantageously, arming a virus, with a transgene encoding certain proteins that can be expressed inside the cancer cell, may enable the body's own defences to be employed to combat tumour cells more effectively, for example by making the cells more visible to the immune system or by delivering a therapeutic gene/protein preferentially to target tumour cells.

Furthermore, the ability to insert transgenes that are reporters into the genome can aid clinical or pre-clinical studies.

In one embodiment the transgene is located in B₂. In one embodiment the transgene is located in B_(X), for example under the control of an exogenous promoter. In one embodiment the transgene is located in B_(Y), for example under the control of an exogenous promoter.

In one embodiment a transgene is located in B_(X) and B_(Y), for example the transgenes may be the same or different.

In one embodiment the transgene is part of a transgene cassette comprising at least one coding sequence and optionally one or more elements independently selected from:

-   -   i. a regulator of gene expression, such as an exogenous promoter         or splice acceptor;     -   ii. an internal ribosome entry (IRES) DNA Sequence;     -   iii. a DNA sequence encoding a high self-cleavage efficiency 2A         peptide;     -   iv. a DNA sequence encoding a polyadenylation sequence; and     -   v. a combination thereof.

In one embodiment only the E4orf4 region is deleted, for example partially deleted, truncated or non-functional in the E4 part of the genome. Thus in one embodiment the adenoviruses of the present disclosure comprise at least a functional E4orf1.

Previous studies suggest that adenoviruses express early E4orf1 and E4orf4 proteins that hijack cellular growth regulatory networks to replicate the viral genome and proteins. For example, the gene product of the E4orf1 region has been implicated in the activation of MYC, which in turn promotes increased nucleotide biosynthesis from glucose intermediates and enhances viral replication. Whilst not wishing to be bound by theory the protein encoded by the E4orf4 region in the virus is thought to inactivate the AMPK pathway of energy sensing. Thus viruses of the present disclosure which are deleted, partially deleted, truncated or lack a functional E4orf4 region may not be able to inactivate the AMPK pathway.

As a result, the inventors believe that this may result in the suppression of mTOR. This change is thought to cause conflicting signals between E4orf1 and E4orf4, which may subsequently create a microenvironment in the cancer cell, which is both anabolic and catabolic.

In healthy cells, such a mixed microenvironment may lead to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and consequently apoptosis. In comparison, tumour cells generally have upregulated growth in comparison to healthy cells and tend to continue to replicate in this microenvironment created by the virus. This continued activity may result in ATP loss and ultimately result in necrotic-like death of the cancer cell. Therefore it is now hypothesised that the oncolytic properties of the adenovirus may be derived from or enhanced by the deletion or inactivation of the E4orf4 region.

In addition the E4orf4 modification of the present disclosure appears to a make positive contribution to the generation of viable and appropriately packaged virus. This is particularly true when the virus has a rapid lytic cycle, for example inducing oncolysis in 50 hours or less, such as 40 hours or less. This is because the viral systems are under pressure to package the virus particles. The presence of the full length E4 region appears to restrict the ability of the infected cell to cope with the increased virus genome load resulting in lower amounts of properly packaged virus particles being produced. The latter is likely to reduce the benefits of an oncolytic virus in vivo because rapid virus replication of viral particles may contribute the death of the infected cancer cell and may also be important in establishing levels of virus titre that have a therapeutic effect (i.e. a rate of replication that is faster than the rate of clearance by the hosts immune system).

It may be that the E4orf4 region is a negative regulator of virus genes in the E4 and/or E2 region. Thus removing the restriction exerted by the E4orf4 region allows the viral systems to function at full capacity. Alternatively, E4orf4 acts at the cellular level to restrict virus particle production.

In addition E4orf4 may have role in the inducing death of cancers cells, in particular that is specific to the cancer cells, for example where it induces cancer cell death by apoptosis, whereas when E4orf4 is deleted, partially deleted, truncated or non-functional cell death is via an immunogenic necrosis-like mechanism. It may therefore also have a role to play reducing the immune response to the virus

In contrast the presence or absence of the E3 region appears to have little influence on the synthesis of viable virus.

Thus the present disclosure also extends to a process comprising the step of deleting the E4orf4 region or rendering the same non-functional, for example by deleting part of the region or disrupting the region in an adenovirus, in particular to render the virus oncolytic.

Also provided is a composition comprising a virus or vector according to the present disclosure, in particular a pharmaceutical composition for example comprising an adenovirus according to the disclosure and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The present disclosure further relates to an adenovirus or composition according to the disclosure for use in treatment, for example for use in the treatment of cancer, such as colorectal cancer or ovarian cancer.

The disclosure also relates to a method of treatment comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a virus as described herein or a composition comprising the same to a patient in need thereof, in particular a human patient, for example a cancer patient, such as a colorectal cancer or ovarian cancer patient.

Also provided is an adenovirus according to the present disclosure for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer, for example colorectal cancer or ovarian cancer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment the adenovirus is a human adenovirus.

“Adenovirus” “serotype” or adenoviral serotype” as employed herein refers to any adenovirus that can be assigned to any of the over 50 currently known adenoviral serotypes, which are classified into subgroups A-F, and further extends to any, as yet, unidentified or unclassified adenoviral serotypes. See, for example, Strauss, “Adenovirus infections in humans,” in The Adenoviruses, Ginsberg, ea., Plenum Press, New York, N.Y., pp. 451-596 (1984) and Shenk, “Adenoviridae: The Viruses and Their Replication,” in Fields Virology, Vol.2, Fourth Edition, Knipe, 35 ea., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, pp. 2265-2267 (2001).

In one embodiment there is provided an adenovirus according to the present disclosure, for example a group B virus, wherein the E3 region has a sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 7, and when the backbone genomic DNA of the virus is from EnAd the E2B is a sequence other than 8.

Subgroup B adenovirus include: Ad3, Ad7, Ad11, Ad14, Ad16, Ad21, Ad34, Ad35 and Ad51. In one embodiment the subgroup B adenovirus is independently selected from the group comprising or consisting of: Ad3, Ad7, Ad11, Ad14, Ad16, Ad21, Ad34 and Ad51, in particular Ad11, such as Ad11a or Ad11p.

In one independent aspect of the invention there is provided an Ad3, Ad7, Ad14, Ad16, Ad21, Ad34, Ad35 and Ad51 adenovirus which is deleted or non-functional in the E4orf4 region of E4 and the E3 is either full-length E3, partially deleted in E3 or fully deleted in E3.

In one independent aspect of the invention there is provided an Ad11 adenovirus, for example Ad11a, Ad11p or EnAd, OvAd1 or OvAd2, non-functional in the E4orf4 region of E4 (e.g. has an E4orf4 sequence that is mutated to render it non-functional in a relevant respect) and in the E3 region is either full-length E3, partially deleted in E3 or fully deleted in E3 or contains a transgene in E3 (with or without part or all of the E3 sequence).

In one embodiment the adenovirus of the disclosure has the capsid, such as the hexon and/or fibre of a subgroup B adenovirus, such as Ad11, in particular Ad11p.

In one embodiment the adenovirus is chimeric. When an adenovirus is chimeric then the characteristics of the outer capsid will be employed to determine the serotype. Thus group B viruses also include chimeric viruses with a group B fibre, hexon and/or penton. Chimeric as employed herein refers to a virus that comprises DNA from at least two different virus serotypes.

In one embodiment a virus of the present disclosure comprises a chimeric E2B region which increases the rate of virus replication in comparison to the parent virus, for example comprises an E2B region of SEQ ID NO: 8, and also E4orf4 is deleted or a non-functional. This combination may be particularly advantageous in providing viruses with oncolytic properties.

In one embodiment the chimeric adenovirus is an Ad11 chimera having at least the fibre and/or hexon and/or penton of Ad11.

EnAd as employed herein refers the chimeric adenovirus of SEQ ID NO: 1 as disclosed in WO2005/118825. EnAd has a chimeric E2B region, which features DNA from Ad11p and Ad3 as shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 herein. The genomic DNA sequence of EnAd is provided in SEQ ID NO: 1. The E3 region of EnAd comprises E3orfl and E3orf2 identical to Ad11. It also comprises a fusion construct from Ad3 and Ad11 comprising E3orf3 and E3orf8, as shown in SEQ ID NO: 7, which encodes a 109 amino acid protein of about 12 KDa.

All human adenovirus genomes examined to date have the same general organisation i.e., the genes encoding specific functions are located at the same position in the viral genome (referred to herein as structural elements). Each end of the viral genome has a short sequence known as the inverted terminal repeat (or ITR), which is required for viral replication. The viral genome contains five early transcription units (E1A, E1B, E2, E3, and E4), three delayed early units (IX, IVa2 and E2 late) and one late unit (major late) that is processed to generate five families of late mRNAs (L1-L5). Proteins encoded by the early genes are primarily involved in replication and modulation of the host cell response to infection, whereas the late genes encode viral structural proteins. Early genes are prefixed by the letter E and the late genes are prefixed by the letter L.

Unless the context indicates otherwise adenovirus as employ herein refers to a replication competent virus and viral vectors.

In one embodiment the virus is replication competent. Replication competent in the context of the present specification refers to a virus that possesses all the necessary machinery to replicate in vitro and in vivo, i.e. without the assistance of a packaging cell line. A viral vector, for example deleted in the El region, capable of replicating in a complementary packaging cell line is not a replication competent virus in the present context.

In one embodiment the virus is replication deficient, for example deleted in the El region. Viral vectors are replication deficient and require a packaging cell to provide a complementary gene to allow replication. For replication deficient viral vectors deleting the E4orf4 or rendering same non-functional may increase the yield of vector prepared using a packaging cell line.

In one embodiment the adenovirus of the disclosure is oncolytic. Oncolytic adenovirus as employed herein means an adenovirus that selectively kills cancer cells as compared with non-cancer cells.

Selectively, as employed herein refers to the activity in killing cancer cells is significantly higher than the activity in killing normal, healthy cells, for example the killing activity is 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 times higher or more in cancer cells in comparison to the killing ability in normal, healthy cells.

In one embodiment the oncolytic virus is apoptotic. That is, it hastens programmed cell death.

In one embodiment the oncolytic virus is cytolytic. The cytolytic activity of oncolytic adenoviruses of the disclosure can be determined in representative tumour cell lines and the data converted to a measurement of potency, for example with an adenovirus belonging to subgroup C, preferably Ad5, being used as a standard (i.e. given a potency of 1). A suitable method for determining cytolytic activity is an MTS assay (see Example 4, FIG. 2 of WO2005/118825 incorporated herein by reference).

In one embodiment the oncolytic virus is necrolytic. That is, it causes or hastens cell necrosis or immunogenic cell death.

In one embodiment the oncolytic virus kills tumour cells by oncosis. That is, it causes or hastens a form of cell death accompanied by cellular swelling, organelle swelling, blebbing, and increased membrane permeability.

Adenovirus genome as employed herein refers to the DNA sequence encoding the structural proteins and elements relevant to the function/life cycle of an adenovirus. Genomic DNA derived from a virus, for example EnAd or Ad11 as employed herein refers to part of all of the DNA from said virus in a contiguous sequence wherein said sequence can be identified as originating from the relevant virus. In one embodiment the genomic DNA may be 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 or 100% from the given the virus. In one embodiment the virus is EnAd the E2B region is other than SEQ ID NO: 8. In one embodiment when EnAd comprises an E2B region with a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8 then the E3 region is other than SEQ ID NO: 7. In one embodiment when EnAd comprises an E2B region with a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8, then B2 is a transgene (for example under the control of an exogenous promoter) or an E3 proteins is present or the full E3 region is present including a mutated form thereof which is non-functional. The E3 protein or E3 region may further comprise a transgene, for example inserted at the 3′ or 5′ end of the sequence or inserted in a disruptive way in the gene relevant coding sequence.

In one embodiment the virus is not OvAd1. In one embodiment the virus is not OvAd2.

A bond refers to a bond connecting the one DNA sequence to another DNA sequence, for example connecting one section of the virus genome to another. Thus when a variable in formula (I) or other formula herein represents a bond the feature or element represented by the bond is absent i.e. deleted.

As the structure of adenoviruses is, in general, similar and the elements below are discussed in terms of the structural elements, which are known to the skilled person. When an element is referred to herein then we refer to the DNA sequence encoding the element or a DNA sequence encoding the same structural protein of the element in an adenovirus, given the redundancy of the DNA code and bearing in mind the viruses' preference for codon usage.

The skilled person will appreciate that the elements in the formulas herein, such as formula (l) and (la) are contiguous and may embody non-coding DNA sequences as well as the genes and coding DNA sequences (structural features) mentioned herein. In one or more embodiments the formulas of the present disclosure are attempting to describe a naturally occurring sequence in the adenovirus genome. In this context it will be clear to the skilled person that the formula is referring to the major elements characterising the relevant section of genome and is not intended to be an exhaustive description of the relevant genomic stretch of DNA. Furthermore, the full length of formula (l) and (la) is intended to represent the total genomic sequence of the relevant adenovirus with at least E4orf4 deleted and optional sequences of transgenes etc inserted in a limited number of places.

Any structural element from an adenovirus employed in the viruses of the present disclosure may comprise or consist of the natural sequence or may have similarity over the given length of at least 95%, such as 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%. The original sequence may be modified to omit 10%, 9%, 8%., 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% of the genetic material. The skilled person is aware that when making changes the reading frames of the virus must be not disrupted such that the expression of structural proteins is disrupted.

In one embodiment the element is a full-length sequence i.e. the full-length gene.

In one embodiment the element is less than a full-length and retains the same or corresponding function as the full-length sequence.

The structural genes encoding structural or functional proteins of the adenovirus are generally linked by non-coding regions of DNA. Thus there is some flexibility about where to “cut” the genomic sequence of the structural element of interest for inclusion into the viruses of the present disclosure. Thus for the purposes of the present specification, the element will be considered a structural element of reference to the extent that it is fit for purpose and does not encode extraneous material. Thus, if appropriate the gene will be associated with suitable non-coding regions, for example as found in the natural structure of the virus.

Below follows a discussion relating to specific structural elements of adenoviruses. The Inverted Terminal Repeat (ITR) sequences are common to all known adenoviruses and were so named because of their symmetry, and are the viral chromosome origins of replication. Another property of these sequences is their ability to form a hairpin.

The 5′ITR as employed herein refers to part or all of an ITR from 5′ end of an adenovirus which retains the function of the ITR when incorporated into an adenovirus in an appropriate location. In one embodiment the 5′ITR has the sequence from about 1 bp to 138 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1.

The 3′ITR as employed herein refers to part or all of an ITR from 3′ end of an adenovirus which retains the function of the ITR when incorporated into an adenovirus in an appropriate location. In one embodiment the 3′ITR has the sequence from about 32189 bp to 32326 bp of SEQ ID NO. 1.

B₁ as employed herein refers to the DNA sequence encoding: part or all of an E1A from an adenovirus, part or all of the E1B region of an adenovirus, or independently a part or all of E1A and E1B region of an adenovirus.

In one embodiment B₁ is represents a full-length sequence of the E1 region (i.e. E1A and E1B), and for example does not comprise a transgene.

When B₁ is a bond then E1A and E1B sequences will be omitted from the virus. In one embodiment B₁ is a bond and thus the virus is a vector.

In one embodiment B₁ further comprises a transgene. It is known in the art that the E1 region can accommodate a transgene which may be inserted in a disruptive way into the E1 region (i.e. in the “middle” of the sequence) or part or all of the E1 region may be deleted to provide more room to accommodate genetic material.

E1A as employed herein refers to the DNA sequence encoding the part of an adenovirus E1 region designated as E1A or a fragment thereof. It may be mutated such that the protein encoded by the E1A gene has conservative or non-conservative amino acid changes, such that it has: the same function as wild-type (i.e. the corresponding non-mutated protein); increased function in comparison to wild-type protein; decreased function, such as no function in comparison to wild-type protein; or has a new function in comparison to wild-type protein or a combination of the same, as appropriate.

E1B as employed herein refers to the DNA sequence encoding the relevant part an adenovirus E1 region designated as E1B or a fragment thereof, it may be mutated such that the protein encoded by the E1B gene has conservative or non-conservative amino acid changes, such that it has: the same function as wild-type (i.e. the corresponding non-mutated protein); increased function in comparison to wild-type protein; decreased function, such as no function in comparison to wild-type protein; or has a new function in comparison to wild-type protein or a combination of the same as appropriate.

Thus B₁ can be modified or unmodified relative to a wild-type E1 region, such as a wild-type

E1A and/or E1B. The skilled person can easily identify whether E1A and/or E1B are present or (part) deleted or mutated.

In one embodiment a full length unmodified E1 region is employ in B₁. This is particular relevant to replication competent viruses because the E1 region is essential for replication.

Wild-type as employed herein refers to a known adenovirus or fragment thereof. A known adenovirus is one that has been identified and named, regardless of whether the sequence is available. In one embodiment the adenovirus is one disclosed herein, for example a group B virus, such as Ad3, Ad11 or even EnAd.

In one embodiment B₁ has the sequence from 139 bp to 3932 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1.

B_(A) as employed herein refers to the DNA sequence encoding the E2B-L1-L2-L3-E2A-L4 regions including any non-coding sequences, as appropriate. Generally this sequence will not comprise a transgene. In one embodiment the sequence is substantially similar or identical to a contiguous sequence from a known adenovirus, for example an adenovirus disclosed herein, such as a group B virus, in particular Ad11 or EnAd. Thus the elements E2B, L1, L2, L3, E2A and L4 will be in an uninterrupted sequence where the relative relationship of the elements is as written in the formula.

In one embodiment the E2B region is chimeric. That is, comprises DNA sequences from two or more different adenoviral serotypes. In one embodiment the E2B region has the sequence from 5068 bp to 10355 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment the E2B is non-chimeric. In one embodiment the E2B region is a sequence other than 5068 bp to 10355 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In one embodiment B_(A) has the sequence from 3933 bp to 27184 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1.

E3 as employed herein refers to the DNA sequence encoding part or all of an adenovirus E3 region, it may be mutated such that the protein encoded by the E3 gene has conservative or non-conservative amino acid changes, such that it has the same function as wild-type (the corresponding wild-type protein); increased function in comparison to wild-type protein; decreased function, such as no function in comparison to wild-type protein or has a new function in comparison to wild-type protein or a combination of the same as appropriate. In one embodiment the E3 region is partially deleted. In one embodiment the E3 region can be replaced or interrupted by a transgene.

In one embodiment the E3 region in the viruses of the present disclosure comprise proteins independently selected from a human adenovirus or a combination of human adenoviruses, for example 1, 2, 3 or more.

In one embodiment the E3 proteins are selected from a group B virus, for example a group B virus independently selected from Ad11, Ad3 and combinations thereof.

E3 proteins in Ad11 include: 12.1K, 16.1K, 18.5K, 20.3K, 20.6K, 10.3K, 15.2K, 15.3K. In Ad11 the E3 region can be described as follows (no of nucleotides/ % of the whole genome; ORE; Position of ORF [nt] respectively):

26867-30625 (77.2-88) 3759/10.8 12.1K 27185-27502 16.1K 27456-27851 18.5K 27836-28336 20.3K 28356-28901 20.6K 28919-29482 10.3K 29526-29801 15.2K 29806-30210 15.3K 30203-30610

The E3 proteins and structures of other group B viruses can readily be established or are already known to person skilled in the relevant art.

In one embodiment the E3 region corresponds to Ad11, in particular the full-length sequence from Ad11 E3 region.

Group C adenoviruses, for example Ad5 comprise a sequence in their E3 region encoding the adenovirus death protein (ADP) which is about 11.6 KDa. This protein is thought to have a function in cell lysis to allow the escape of the virus from the infected cell. Group B viruses do not use this mechanism to escape the cell.

In one embodiment an adenovirus according to the present disclosure, for example a group

B virus, such as Ad11 or EnAd, comprises in the E3 region a sequence encoding an adenovirus death protein. Whilst not wishing to be bound by theory this protein may further augment the virus's ability to lyse cancer cells.

In one embodiment the adenovirus of the present disclosure is EnAd comprising a transgene in the E3 region. In one embodiment a transgene in the E3 region is under the control of an exogenous promoter. Exogenous promoters are discussed below.

In one embodiment where the genomic DNA is derived from Ad11 then where all E3 proteins are present then at least one protein encoded by that region will be from an adenovirus of a different serotype i.e. non-identical to an Ad11 E3 protein and/or the region will comprise further coding sequences.

In one embodiment the adenovirus of the present disclosure is EnAd, with an E3 region encoding one or more E3 proteins, for example a full-length E3 region encoding all the E3 proteins. In particular when the EnAd E3 region comprises orf1 and orf2 then the E3orf3 and orf8 fusion is absent or further genes/sequences are also present in the E3 region such as a transgene and/or at least one further E3 protein, for example a protein described herein.

In one embodiment the adenovirus is OvAd1 or OvAd2, as disclosed in WO2008/080003, with the E4orf4 region deleted and comprising a transgene in the E3 region and/or with an E3 region encoding one or more E3 proteins, for example a full-length E3 region encoding all the E3 proteins, for example all the E3 proteins from Ad11.

In one embodiment an adenovirus of the present disclosure (for example with a genomic sequence from Ad11, EnAd, OvAd1 and OvAd2) does not comprising E3orf1 and/or E3orf2 in the E3 region.

In one embodiment an adenovirus of the present disclosure (for example with a genomic sequence from Ad11, EnAd, OvAd1 and OvAd2) comprises an E3orf3 and orf8 fusion protein as shown in SEQ ID NO: 7.

In one embodiment an adenovirus of the present disclosure (for example with a genomic sequence from Ad11, EnAd, OvAd1 and OvAd2) does not comprise an E3orf3 and orf8 fusion protein as shown in SEQ ID NO: 7.

In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 12.1K protein. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 16.1K protein. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding an 18.5K protein. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 20.3K protein. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 20.6K protein. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 10.3K protein. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 15.2K protein. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 15.3K protein. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 12.1K protein and one of 16.1K, 18.5K, 20.3K, 20.6K, 10.3K, 15.2K and 15.3K. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 16.1K protein and 18.5K, 20.3K, 20.6K, 10.3K, 15.2K and 15.3K. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding an 18.5K protein and any one of 20.3K, 20.6K, 10.3K, 15.2K, 15.3K. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 20.3K protein and any one of 20.6K, 10.3K, 15.2K and 15.3K. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 20.6K protein and any one of 10.3K, 15.2K and 15.3K. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 10.3K protein and any one of 15.2K and 15.3K. In one embodiment the B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding a 15.2K protein and 15.3K. In one embodiment B₂ comprises or consists of a DNA sequence encoding 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 E3 proteins.

Non-functional is defined below. In one embodiment non-functional in the E3 region as employed herein refers to an region or fragment, wherein a relevant function, for example down regulation of surface expression of MHC I molecules or inhibition of TNF-α-induced MCP-1 and/or IL-8 mRNA in U373 cells (see for example Lesokhin et al Journal of Virology August 2002 pa 8236-8243).

DNA sequence in relation to B_(X) as employed herein refers to the DNA sequence in the vicinity of the 5′ end of the L5 gene encoded in B_(B). In the vicinity of or proximal to the 5′ end of the L5 gene as employed herein refers to: adjacent (contiguous) to the 5′ end of the L5 gene or a non-coding region inherently associated herewith i.e. abutting or contiguous to the 5′ prime end of the L5 gene or a non-coding region inherently associated therewith. Alternatively, in the vicinity of or proximal to may refer to being close the L5 gene, such that there are no coding sequences between the B_(X) region and the 5′ end of L5 gene.

In one embodiment B_(X) comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. This sequence is a non-coding sequence wherein a DNA sequence, for example comprising a transgene (or transgene cassette), a restriction site or a combination thereof may be inserted therein. The insert(s) can occur anywhere within SEQ ID NO: 2 from the 5′ end, the 3′ end or at any point between bp 1 to 201.

In one embodiment B_(X) comprises SEQ ID NO: 2 with a DNA sequence inserted, for example in equivalent or corresponding to an insert between positions 28192bp & 28193 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In one embodiment the insert is a restriction site insert. In one embodiment the restriction site insert comprises one or two restriction sites. In one embodiment the restriction site is a 19 bp restriction site insert comprising 2 restriction sites. In one embodiment the restriction site insert is a 9 bp restriction site insert comprising 1 restriction site. In one embodiment the restriction site insert comprises one or two restriction sites and at least one transgene, for example one or two transgenes. In one embodiment the restriction site is a 19 bp restriction site insert comprising 2 restriction sites and at least one transgene, for example one or two transgenes. In one embodiment the restriction site insert is a 9 bp restriction site insert comprising 1 restriction site and at least one transgene, for example one, two or three transgenes, such as one or two. In one embodiment the restriction site insert is SEQ ID NO: 5.

In one embodiment B_(X) has the sequence from 28166 bp to 28366 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment B_(X) is a bond.

B_(B) as employed herein refers to the DNA sequence encoding the L5 region. As employed herein the L5 region refers to the DNA sequence containing the gene encoding the fibre gene. The fibre gene encodes the fibre protein which is a major capsid component of adenoviruses. The fibre functions in receptor recognition and contributes to adenovirus' ability to selectively bind and infect cells.

The fibre can be from any adenovirus serotype and adenoviruses which are chimeric as result of changing the fibre for one of a different serotype are known. In present disclosure the fibre is from a group B virus, in particular Ad11, such as Ad11p.

In one embodiment B_(B) has the sequence from 28367 bp to 29344 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1.

DNA sequence in relation to B_(Y) as employed herein refer to the DNA sequence in the vicinity of the 3′ end of the L5 gene encoded in B_(B). In the vicinity of or proximal to the 3′ end of the L5 gene as employed herein refers to: adjacent (contiguous) to the 3′ end of the L5 gene or a non-coding region inherently associated herewith i.e. abutting or contiguous to the 3′ prime end of the L5 gene or a non-coding region inherently associated therewith. Alternatively, in the vicinity of or proximal to may refer to being close the L5 gene, such that there are no coding sequences between the B_(Y) region and the 3′ end of the L5 gene.

In one embodiment B_(Y) is located between the stop codon and polyA recognition site of gene L5 and the stop codon and polyA recognition site of the gene E4 represented by B3 in formula (I) and (la).

In one embodiment B_(Y) comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. This sequence is a non-coding sequence wherein a DNA sequence, for example of comprising a transgene (or transgene cassette), a restriction site or a combination thereof may be inserted. The insert(s) can occur anywhere within SEQ ID NO: 3 from the 5′ end, the 3′ end or at any point between bp 1 to 35.

In one embodiment B_(Y) comprises SEQ ID NO: 3 with a DNA sequence inserted between positions bp 12 and 13 or a place corresponding to 29356 bp and 29357 bp in SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment the insert is a restriction site insert. In one embodiment the restriction site insert comprises one or two restriction sites. In one embodiment the restriction site is a 19 bp restriction site insert comprising 2 restriction sites. In one embodiment the restriction site insert is a 9bp restriction site insert comprising 1 restriction site. In one embodiment the restriction site insert comprises one or two restriction sites and at least one transgene, for example one or two or three transgenes, such as one or two. In one embodiment the restriction site is a 19 bp restriction site insert comprising 2 restriction sites and at least one transgene, for example one or two transgenes. In one embodiment the restriction site insert is a 9bp restriction site insert comprising 1 restriction site and at least one transgene, for example one or two transgenes. In one embodiment the restriction site insert is SEQ ID NO: 4.

In one embodiment By has the sequence from 29345 bp to 29379 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment B_(Y) is a bond.

E4 as employed herein refers to the DNA sequence encoding part or all of an adenovirus E4 region, it may be mutated such that the protein encoded by the E4 gene has conservative or non-conservative amino acid changes, and has the same function as wild-type (the corresponding non-mutated protein); increased function in comparison to wild-type protein; decreased function, such as no function in comparison to wild-type protein or has a new function in comparison to wild-type protein or a combination of the same as appropriate.

The following is the open reading frame positions for Ad11p:

34493-31808 2686/7.7 ORF1 125R 34413-34036 (99.1-91.4) 130R ORF2 33990-33601 ORF3 117R 33604-33251 122R ORF4 33242-32874 ORF5 299R 32971-32072 90R ORF6 32100-31825

In one embodiment the E4 region comprises a sequence independently selected from E4orf1, E4orf2, E4orf3, E4orf5, E4orf6 and combinations thereof including E4orf1 to E4orf6. In one embodiment the virus of the disclosure also comprises an E4orf4 region which consists of from 32188 bp to 29380 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1.

In the context of the present disclosure a characterising feature is lack of a functional E4orf4 region. Therefore, unless the context indicates otherwise use of E4 herein may refer to E4 with E4orf4 deleted or rendered non-functional. Deleted E4orf4 as employed herein refers to a deletion in part or all of the E4 region, for example comprising a deletion of at least 25 base pairs.

Non-functional as employed herein refers to a region that is at least partly present or, for example present in two or more non-continuous fragments, which do not have the same activity/functionality in the relevant respect as the “wild-type” full-length sequence.

Sequences with 10% or less function in comparison to the “wild-type” sequence will be considered non-function in the context of disclosures of the present application.

There are a number of routine ways to render E4orf4 non-functional, for example part of the region may be deleted to render it non-functional, the region may be disrupted by inserted a DNA sequence, and/or the region can be mutated to render it non-functional.

In one embodiment the lack of functionality refers to the inability to inactivate the AMPK pathway of energy sensing in a cancer cell. In one embodiment only E4orf4 is deleted in the E4 region. In one embodiment the E4 region has the sequence from 32188 bp to 29380 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment B₃ has the sequence from 32188 bp to 29380 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1. E1A, E1B, E3 and E4 as employed herein each independently refer to the wild-type and equivalents thereof, mutated or partially deleted forms of each region as described herein.

Insert as employed herein refers to a DNA sequence that occurs either at the 5′ end, the 3′ end or within a given sequence such that it interrupts the sequence. In the context of the present disclosure inserts generally occur within either SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3. An insert can be either a restriction site insert or a transgene cassette. When the sequence is interrupted the virus will still comprise the original sequence, but generally it will be as two fragments sandwiching the insert.

In one embodiment the insert is after bp 12 in SEQ ID NO: 3. In one embodiment the insert is at about position 29356 bp of SEQ ID NO: 1. In one embodiment the insert is a transgene cassette comprising one or more transgenes.

Transgenes

A DNA sequence may comprise one or more transgenes, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 transgenes, such as 1 or 2. Transgene as employed herein refers to a gene that has been inserted into the genome sequence, which is a gene that is unnatural to the virus or not normally found in that particular location in the virus. Examples of transgenes are given below. Transgene as employed herein also includes a functional fragment of the gene that is a portion of the gene which when inserted is suitable to perform the function or most of the function of the full-length gene, such as at least 50% of the function.

Transgene and coding sequence are used interchangeably herein, unless the context indicates otherwise. Coding sequence as employed herein means a DNA sequence encoding a functional RNA, peptide, polypeptide or protein. Typically the coding sequence is cDNA of the transgene that encodes the functional RNA, peptide or protein of interest. Functional RNA, peptides and proteins of interest are described below. In one embodiment the transgene inserted encodes a human or humanised protein, polypeptide or peptide. In one embodiment the transgene inserted encodes a non-human protein, polypeptide or peptide (such as a non-human mammalian protein, polypeptide or peptide) and/or RNA molecule, for example from a mouse, rat, rabbit, camel, llama or similar.

In one embodiment transgene as employed herein refers to a segment of DNA containing a gene or cDNA sequence that has been isolated from one organism and is introduced into a different organism in this instance the adenovirus of the present disclosure. In one embodiment this non-native segment of DNA may retain the ability to produce functional RNA, peptide, polypeptide and/or protein.

A transgene cassette may comprise one or more transgenes, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 transgenes, such as 1 or 2. Transgene cassette as employed herein refers to a DNA sequence encoding one or more transgenes in the form of one or more coding sequences and one or more regulatory elements.

A transgene cassette may encode one or more monocistronic and/or polycistronic mRNA sequences. In one embodiment the cassette encodes a monocistronic or polycistronic mRNA, for example the cassette is suitable for insertion into the adenovirus genome at a location under the control of an endogenous promoter or exogenous promoter or a combination thereof. Monocistronic mRNA as employed herein means an mRNA molecule encoding a single functional RNA, peptide, polypeptide or protein. In one embodiment the transgene cassette encodes monocistronic mRNA.

In one embodiment the transgene cassette in the context of a cassette encoding monocistronic mRNA refers to a segment of DNA optionally containing an exogenous promoter, which is a regulatory sequence that will determine where and when the transgene is active, or a splice site which is a regulatory sequence determining when an mRNA molecule will be cleaved by the spliceosome, a coding sequence (i.e. the transgene), usually derived from the cDNA for the protein of interest, optionally containing a polyA signal sequence and a terminator sequence.

In one embodiment the transgene cassette may encode one or more polycistronic mRNA sequences. Polycistronic mRNA as employed herein refers to an mRNA molecule encoding two or more functional RNA, peptides, polypeptides, proteins or a combination thereof. In one embodiment the transgene cassette encodes polycistronic mRNA.

Transgene cassette in the context of a cassette encoding polycistronic mRNA includes a segment of DNA optionally containing an exogenous promoter, which is a regulatory sequence that will determine where and when the transgene is active, or a splice site which is a regulatory sequence determining when a mRNA molecule will be cleaved by the spliceosome, two or more coding sequences (i.e. the transgenes), usually derived from the cDNA for the protein of interest. Generally each coding sequence is separated by either an IRES or a 2A peptide. Following the last coding sequence to be transcribed, the cassette may optionally contain a polyA sequence and a terminator sequence.

In one embodiment the transgene cassette encodes a monocistronic mRNA followed by a polycistronic mRNA. In another embodiment the transgene cassette encodes a polycistronic mRNA followed by a monocistronic mRNA.

In one embodiment the transgene cassette comprises a restriction site at each terminus. A restriction site is a location in a DNA sequence that can be cut by a restriction enzyme, usually an enzyme specific to the sequence.

In one embodiment the cassette is in the sense orientation. That is, is transcribed in a 5′ to 3′ direction. In one embodiment the cassette in the antisense orientation. That is, transcribed in the 3′ to 5′ orientation.

In one embodiment the transgene or transgene cassette does not comprise a non-biased inserting transposon, such as a TN7 transposon. In one embodiment the insert (or transgene) does not comprise a Tn7 transposon or part thereof. Tn7 transposon as employed herein refers to a non-biased insertion transposon as described in WO2008/080003.

Advantageously the transgene can be delivered intra-cellularly and can subsequently be transcribed and if appropriate translated. In one embodiment the entity encoded by the transgene when transcribed or translated in a cell, such as a cancer cell, increases danger signals on the cell. “Danger signals” as employed herein refers to a variety of molecules produced by cells undergoing injury, stress or non-apoptotic death which act as alarm signals by stimulating cells of the innate immune system to respond directly as well as serving to enhance activation of cells of the adaptive immune system.

It is known that the microenvironment of tumours often changes such that natural human immune responses are down regulated. Thus the ability to re-start the immune responses from within the tumour is potentially very interesting in the treatment of cancer. In one embodiment the coding sequence encodes a therapeutic RNA, therapeutic peptide, therapeutic polypeptide or therapeutic protein (i.e. is a therapeutic gene).

Therapeutic gene as employed herein means a gene that encodes an entity that may be useful in the treatment, amelioration or prevention of disease, for example the gene expresses a therapeutic protein, polypeptide, peptide and/or RNA, which at least slows down, halts or reverses the progression of a disease, such as cancer.

In one embodiment the transgene or transgenes encode a protein, polypeptide, peptide, RNA molecule. In one embodiment the functional RNA, peptide or protein, such as the antibody is released from the cell infected by the adenovirus, for example by active secretion or when cell lysis occurs.

In one embodiment the adenovirus lyses the cell, thereby releasing the functional RNA, peptide or protein, such as the antibody.

Advantageously, functional RNA, peptide or protein, such as antibodies expressed by adenoviruses of the present disclosure can be detected in tissue in vivo as both mRNA and antibody protein. Furthermore, the expressed functional RNA, peptide, polypeptide or protein, such as the antibody can bind its ligand in ELISA. Yet further, the functional RNA, peptide, polypeptide or protein, such as the antibody is detectable early (within 3 days of infection) and the expression is sustained over several weeks.

Advantageously, functional RNA, peptide or protein expression, such as antibody expression is sufficiently high to be able to detect the functional RNA, peptide or protein, such as the antibody in the blood.

In one embodiment adenoviruses of the present disclosure express functional RNA, peptide, polypeptide and/or protein, such as antibodies within about 3 days or more of infection, such as within about 36, 48, 60 or 72 hours, or such as 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days.

In one embodiment the encoded therapeutic peptide or protein is designed to be secreted into the extracellular environment. In one embodiment the functional RNA, peptide, polypeptide or protein, such as the antibody is released into the external microenvironment of the cell, for example into the culture supernatant, or in vivo: tissue, stroma, circulation, blood and/or lymphatic system. Leader sequence as employed herein refers to a polynucleotide sequence located between the promoter sequence and the coding region which can regulate gene expression at the level of transcription or translation.

In one embodiment the peptide, polypeptide or protein, encoded by the transgene, comprises a signal sequence. Signal peptide as employed herein refers to a short 13-36 residue peptide sequence located at the N-terminal of secretory proteins which is necessary for the entry of the protein into the secretory pathway for secretion or membrane expression.

In one embodiment, functional RNA, peptide, polypeptide or protein, such as antibodies expressed by the adenovirus of the present disclosure enter the blood stream.

In another embodiment the encoded therapeutic peptide or protein is designed to be expressed as a membrane-anchored form in the surface membrane of the cell, for example by including encoding a transmembrane domain in the protein or a site for attachment of a lipid membrane anchor.

In another embodiment the encoded therapeutic functional RNA, peptide or protein, such as an antibody is designed to be retained within the intact cell.

In one embodiment adenoviruses of the present disclosure express functional RNA, peptide or protein, such as antibodies for several weeks, for example about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 weeks, such as 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 or 42 days.

In one embodiment the encoded therapeutic proteins, polypeptides or peptides are target specific proteins or peptides.

Target specific proteins, polypeptides or peptides as employed herein refers to either the target proteins themselves, or different proteins, polypeptides or peptides that directly bind (for example are specific to the target) to or otherwise modify the levels of the target proteins or peptides. An example of the former would be a cytokine, whilst an example of the latter would be an antibody against that cytokine.

Target, depending on the context, also relates to mRNA or similar transcribed from the gene encoding the protein or polypeptide, which for example can be inhibited by RNAi type technology. Thus in the context of RNA, such as RNAi technology the target is the mRNA which is encoded by the gene of the target.

In one embodiment target refers to the protein or entity which is subject to biological intervention.

Targets of interest generally relate to particular cells, cellular products, antigens or signalling pathways associated with disease, particularly cancer.

Examples of targets of interest include, but are not limited to, stimulatory T-cell co-receptors and ligands thereto, checkpoint inhibitory T-cell co-receptor molecules and ligands thereto, receptors and ligands thereto expressed by regulatory T-cells, myeloid derived suppressor cells and immunosuppressive immune cells, dendritic cell and antigen-presenting cell receptors and ligands thereto, antigen processing and presentation mediators, cytokines and cytokine receptors, chemokines and chemokine receptors, transcription factors and regulators of transcription, intracellular trafficking molecules and regulators of cell function, tumour cell and tumour microenvironmental receptors and products, intracellular tumour cell enzymes such as IDO, antigens for recognition by immune cells.

Thus in one embodiment target as employed herein refers to a protein or polypeptide which can, for example be inhibited, neutralised or activated by, for example an antibody or binding fragment there, as appropriate. Target in the context of cytokines refers to a cytokine per se or an antibody or binding fragment thereof specific to the cytokine. Thus, the virus may encode and express the cytokine itself as release of thereof may stimulate “host” immune responses. In the context of ligands, mutated forms of the ligand can be encoded by the virus which compete with the natural ligand to bind the receptor. The mutated ligand may have increased binding affinity for the receptor, for example such that it has a slow off-rate thereby occupying the receptor and increasing or decreasing signalling therefrom. Alternatively, the activity of the mutated ligand may be reduced in comparison to the wild-type ligand, thereby reducing the binding and overall activity through the receptor from the natural ligand.

Examples of genetic material encoded by a transgene are DNA sequences capable of being expressed to provide various entities such as antibodies or binding fragments thereof, chemokines, cytokines, immunomodulators, enzymes for example capable of converting pro-drug in the active agent, or a DNA sequence capable of being transcribed into an RNAi molecule.

In one embodiment the coding sequence encodes functional RNA, for example therapeutic RNA. Functional RNA as employed herein refers to RNA which has a function other than to encode a protein or peptide and includes for examples include RNAi, such as shRNA and miRNA. shRNA as employed herein refers to short hairpin RNA which is a sequence of RNA that makes a tight hairpin turn that can be used to silence target gene expression via RNA interference (RNAi).

miRNA (microRNA) as employed herein refers to a small non-coding RNA molecule (containing about 22 nucleotides) which functions, via base-pairing with complementary sequences within mRNA molecules, to regulate gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. mRNA strands bound by miRNA are silenced because they can no longer be translated into proteins by ribosomes, and such complexes are often actively disassembled by the cell.

Functional RNA as employed herein refers to RNA which has a function other than to encode a protein or peptide and includes for examples include RNA constructs suitable for inhibiting or reducing gene activity, including RNAi, such as shRNA and miRNA. shRNA as employed herein refers to short hairpin RNA which is a sequence of RNA that makes a tight hairpin turn that can be used to silence target gene expression via RNA interference (RNAi). miRNA (microRNA) as employed herein refers to a small non-coding RNA molecule (containing about 22 nucleotides) which functions, via base-pairing with complementary sequences within mRNA molecules, to regulate gene expression at the transcriptional or post-transcriptional level. mRNA strands bound by miRNA are silenced because they can no longer be translated into proteins by ribosomes, and such complexes are often actively disassembled by the cell.

In one embodiment the virus or construct according to the present disclosure encodes a pro-drug, an immunomodulator and/or an enzyme.

Pro-drug as employed herein refers to a molecule that is administered as an inactive (or less than fully active) derivative that is subsequently converted to an active pharmacological agent in the body, often through normal metabolic processes. A pro-drug serves as a type of precursor to the intended drug. A pro-drug converting enzyme serves as the enzyme that converts a pro-drug to its pharmacologically active form.

Immunomodulator as employed herein refers to a modulator of immune response. Immunomodulators function in adjustment of the immune response to a desired level, as in immunopotentiation, immunosuppression, or induction of immunologic tolerance.

In one embodiment the protein encoded is an enzyme, for example a collagenase, a matrix metalloproteinase (such as MMP2 or 14), L-asparaginase or similar. Enzyme as employed herein refers to a substance that acts as a catalyst in living organisms, regulating the rate at which chemical reactions proceed without itself being altered in the process.

In one embodiment the peptide, polypeptide or protein encoded by a transgene is a mimotope. As employed herein a mimotope is a molecule, often a peptide, which mimics the structure of an epitope. The latter property causes an antibody response similar to the one elicited by the epitope. An antibody for a given epitope antigen will recognize a mimotope which mimics that epitope. Mimotopes are commonly obtained from phage display libraries through biopanning. Vaccines utilizing mimotopes are being developed. Thus antibodies of known specificity may be used to screen libraries (e.g peptide libraries in phage display—for example Ab sequence libraries or non-antibody peptide libraries, particularly those optimized for producing peptides with more stable 3D conformations)—Generation of mimotopes is well described in the art (see Tribbick G, Rodda S. Combinatorial methods for discovery of peptide ligands which bind to antibody-like molecules. J Mol Recognit. 2002 15(5):306-10; Masuko T, Ohno Y, Masuko K, Yagi H, Uejima S, Takechi M, Hashimoto Y. Towards therapeutic antibodies to membrane oncoproteins by a robust strategy using rats immunized with transfectants expressing target molecules fused to green fluorescent protein. Cancer Sci. 2011 102(1):25-35).

In one embodiment a mimotope or other designed vaccine antigens are encoded by a transgene and expressed in order to induce an antibody response in the recipient patient, wherein the antibodies induced have the desired therapeutic effect. In one embodiment GFP-peptide fusion proteins, with peptide sequences from desired human ligand, are used to induce anti-self target antibody responses, for example a peptide region of PD-L1 that is known to be important for binding to target molecule PD-1 may be genetically linked with GFP or other highly immunogenic foreign carrier proteins such that an immune antibody response to the peptide includes antibodies that cross-react with the native PDL1 molecule and thus serve to block PD-L1:PD-1 interactions in the same way as directly encoding an anti-PDL1 antibody would. Concepts for vaccines inducing ant-self therapeutic antibody responses are well described in the art (see Spohn G, Bachmann M F. Therapeutic vaccination to block receptor-ligand interactions. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2003 3(3):469-76; Link A, Bachmann M F. Immunodrugs: breaking B- but not T-cell tolerance with therapeutic anticytokine vaccines. Immunotherapy 2010 2(4):561-74; Delavallee L, Assier E, Semerano L, Bessis N, Boissier M C. Emerging applications of anticytokine vaccines. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2008 7(10):1507-17).

The following is a non-exhaustive discussion of exemplary target specific peptides and proteins.

In one embodiment the target is one or more independently selected from the group comprising: OX40, OX40 ligand, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD40 ligand, CD70, CD137, GITR, 4-1 BB, ICOS or ICOS ligand, for example CD40 and CD40 ligand. In one embodiment the therapeutic intervention is achieved by an antibody or binding fragment specific to the target.

In one embodiment the transgene cassette encodes a ligand comprising CD40 or CD40 ligand, or an antibody, antibody fragment or shRNA targeted to CD40 or CD40 ligand. In one embodiment the adenovirus expresses a ligand comprising CD40 or CD40 ligand, or an antibody, antibody fragment or shRNA targeted to CD40 or CD40 ligand.

In one embodiment the target is one or more independently selected from the group comprising: CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, VISTA, B7-H3, B7-H4, HVEM, ILT-2, ILT-3, ILT-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, BTLA, LIGHT or CD160, for example CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2.

In one embodiment the transgene cassette encodes an antibody or antibody fragment specific to CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1 or PD-L2.

In one embodiment the adenovirus expresses an antibody or antibody fragment specific to CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1 or PD-L2.

In one embodiment the target is one or more independently selected from the group comprising CD16, CD25, CD33, CD332, CD127, CD31, CD43, CD44, CD162, CD301a, CD301b and Galectin-3. In one embodiment there is provided an antibody or binding fragment thereof specific thereto, for example a full-length antibody or a scFv.

In one embodiment the target is one or more independently selected from the group comprising: FLT-3, FLT-3 ligand, TLRs, TLR ligands, CCR7, CD1a, CD1c, CD11b, CD11c, CD80, CD83, CD86, CD123, CD172a, CD205, CD207, CD209, CD273, CD281, CD283, CD286, CD289, CD287, CXCR4, GITR Ligand, IFN-α2, IL-12, IL-23, ILT1, ILT2, ILT3, ILT4, ILT5, ILT7, TSLP Receptor, CD141, CD303, CADM1, CLEC9a, XCR1 and CD304. Certain TLR ligands have the ability to stimulate immune responses and, for example are employed as adjuvants. In one embodiment the virus encodes and secretes a TRL ligand. In one embodiment the target is CTIIA or GILT. In one embodiment the target is one or more independently selected from the group comprising: IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-9, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, IL-23, IL-24, IL-25, IL-26, IL-27, IL-33, IL-35. Interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-21, IL-25, IL-1RA, IFNα, IFNβ, IFNγ, TNFα, TGFβ, lymphotoxin α (LTA) and GM-CSF.

In one embodiment the transgene cassette encodes an antibody or antibody fragment specific to IL-12, IL-18, IL-22, IL-7, IL-15, IL-21, IFNα, IFNγ, TNFα, TGFβ or lymphotoxin α (LTA). In one embodiment the adenovirus expresses IL-12, IL-18, IL-22, IL-7, IL-15, IL-21, IFNα, IFNγ, TNFα, TGFβ or lymphotoxin α (LTA).

In one embodiment the target is is a chemokine , for example one or more independently selected from the group comprising: IL-8, CCL5, CCL17, CCL20, CCL22, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL13, CXCL12, CCL2, CCL19, CCL21, CXCR2, CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5 and CRTH2.

In one embodiment the transgene cassette encodes an antibody or antibody fragment specific to CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL12, CCL2, CCL19, CCL21, CXCR2, CCR2, CCR4 or CXCR4. In one embodiment the adenovirus expresses an antibody or antibody fragment specific to CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL12, CCL2, CCL19, CCL21, CXCR2, CCR2, CCR4 or CXCR4.

In one embodiment the target is one or more independently selected from the group comprising: STAT3, STAT1, STAT4, STAT6, CTIIA, MyD88 and NFκB family members.

In one embodiment the target is HSp70 or a regulator of cell survival and death such as survivin, for example the protein is targeted with an inhibitor, for example an antibody or bind fragment thereof, or mRNA transcribed from the relevant gene is inhibited by a mechanism, such as RNAi.

In one embodiment the target is one or more independently selected from the group comprising: amphiregulin, BTC, NRG1a, NRG1b, NRG3, TGFα, LRIG1, LRIG3, EGF, EGF-L6, Epigen, HB-EGF, EGFR, Her2, Her3 and Her4, for example the protein is targeted with an inhibitor, for example an antibody or bind fragment thereof, or mRNA transcribed from the relevant gene is inhibited by a mechanism, such as RNAi. In one embodiment the target is a ligand or receptor for one or more independently selected from the group comprising: hedgehog, FGF, IGF, Wnt, VEGF, TNF, TGFβ, PDGF and Notch.

In one embodiment the adenovirus expresses an antibody or antibody fragment specific to VEGF. In one embodiment the adenovirus expresses full length anti-human VEGF antibody. In one embodiment the expression of full length anti-human VEGF antibody is under the control of an endogenous promoter, such as the Major late promoter (MLP), in particular in position B_(y). In one embodiment the adenovirus expresses the scFv form of anti-human VEGF antibody. In one embodiment the expression of the scFv form of anti-human VEGF antibody is under the control of an endogenous promoter, such as the Major late promoter, in particular in position BY.

In one embodiment the target is IDO (Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase an immunosuppressive enzyme capable of inhibiting a destructive maternal T cell response).

In one embodiment the target is an antigen for recognition by immune cells for one or more proteins or peptides independently selected from the group comprising: immunogenic proteins from infectious organisms, such as cytomegalovirus antigens, influenza antigens, hepatitis B surface and core antigens, diphtheria toxoid, Crm197, tetanus toxoid; peptides derived from such antigens which are known T-cell or antibody epitopes, or genetically engineered composites or multimers of such antigens; tumour-derived proteins as antigens; peptides derived from such antigens which are known T-cell or antibody epitopes; and genetically engineered composites or multimers of such antigens for example WT1, MUC1, LMP2, idiotype, HPV E6&E7, EGFRvIII, HER-2/neu, MAGE A3, p53 nonmutant, p53 mutant, NY-ESO-1, GD2, PSMA, PCSA, PSA, gp100, CEA, MelanA/MART1, Ras mutant, proteinase3 (PR1), bcr-abl, tyrosinase, survivin, PSA, hTERT, particularly WT1, MUC1, HER-2/neu, NY-ESO-1, survivin or hTERT.

Protein ligand as employed herein refers to cell surface membrane or secreted proteins binding fragments thereof, that bind to or otherwise engage with the cellular receptors to influence the function of the cell, for example by stimulating intracellular signalling and modulating gene transcription within the cell. In one embodiment the protein expressed is engineered to be expressed on the surface of the cell and/or secreted from the cell.

In one embodiment the coding sequence encodes a reporter gene. Reporter gene or reporter sequence as employed herein means a gene or DNA sequence that produces a product easily detected in eukaryotic cells and may be used as a marker to determine the activity of another gene with which its DNA has been closely linked or combined. Reporter genes confer characteristics on cells or organisms expressing them that are easily identified and measured, or are selectable markers. Reporter genes are often used as an indication of whether a certain gene has been taken up by or expressed in the cell or organism population. Examples of common reporter genes include, but are not limited to, LacZ, luciferase, GFP, eGFP, neomycin phosphotransferase, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, sodium iodide symporter, intracellular metalloproteins, HSV1-tk or oestrogen receptor.

In one embodiment the transgene is a reporter gene encoding, for example an imaging agent, such as luciferase, GFP or eGFP. In one embodiment the genetic material (in particular the transgene) does not encode or express a reporter gene such as an imaging agent, luciferase, GFP or eGFP.

The skilled person will appreciate that many possibilities exist for nucleic acid sequences that encode a given amino acid sequence due to codon redundancy, that silent nucleic acid base pair mutations are tolerated and all nucleic acid sequences that encode a given amino acid sequence as defined in any of the SEQ ID NO's are envisioned by the present disclosure.

In one or more embodiments the transgene employed encodes a sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NO: 9 to 24, & 25-27.

In one embodiment the coding sequence encodes a peptide. Peptides as employed herein refers to an amino acid sequence of 50 amino acids or less, for example 5 to 20 amino acids, such as 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 amino acids, in particular a linear epitope which may be 7 or 8 amino acids in length.

In one embodiment the transgene encodes a protein. Protein and polypeptide as employed interchangeably herein and generally refer to an amino acid sequence of more than 50 amino acids. Generally proteins have a more complication secondary and tertiary structure than a polypeptide. Protein as employed herein includes a protein ligand, a protein receptor, or an antibody molecule.

As used herein “antibody molecule” includes antibodies and binding fragments thereof. Antibody as employed herein generally refers to a full length antibody and bispecific or multi-specific formats comprising the same.

Antibody-binding fragments includes an antibody fragment able to target the antigen with the same, similar or better specificity to the original “antibody” from which it was derived. Antibody fragments include: Fab, modified Fab, Fab′, modified Fab′, F(ab′)₂, Fv, single domain antibodies (e.g. VH or VL or VHH), scFv, bi, tri or tetra-valent antibodies, Bis-scFv, diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies and epitope-binding fragments of any of the above (see for example Holliger and Hudson, 2005, Nature Biotech. 23(9):1126-1136; Adair and Lawson, 2005, Drug Design Reviews-Online 2(3), 209-217). The methods for creating and manufacturing these antibody fragments are well known in the art (see for example Verma et al., 1998, Journal of Immunological Methods, 216, 165-181). Other antibody fragments for use in the present invention include the Fab and Fab′ fragments described in international patent applications WO2005/003169, WO2005/003170 and WO2005/003171. Multi-valent antibodies may comprise multiple specificities e.g. bispecific or may be monospecific (see for example WO 92/22853, WO05/113605, WO2009/040562 and WO2010/035012).

Therapeutic antibody or antibody-binding fragment as employed herein refers to antibody or antibody-binding fragment which, when inserted in to the oncolytic virus, has a beneficial impact on a pathology in the patient, for example on the cancer being treated. Beneficial impact as employed herein refers to a desirable and/or advantageous effect of the antibody being expressed in vivo.

Suitable antibodies and antibody fragments may be agonistic or antagonistic and include those with anticancer activity and those which modify host cell responses to the cancer. For example, an antagonistic antibody or antibody fragment may increase or normalise vascularization of the tumour, whilst agonistic antibodies may render the host cell more visible to the host's innate and adaptive immune responses, for example by expressing antigens, danger signals, cytokines or chemokines to attract and activate the same, or by binding to co-stimulatory or checkpoint pathway molecules to enhance adaptive immune responses.

Classes of therapeutic antibodies and antibody-binding fragments include: anti-EGF antibodies, anti-VEGF antibodies, anti-PDGF antibodies and anti-FGF antibodies.

Registered therapeutic antibodies suitable for incorporation into viruses of the present disclosure include: abciximab, adalimumab, alemtzumab, basiliximab, belimumab, bevacizumab, brentuximab vedotin, canakinumab, cetuximab, certolzumab, daclizumab, denosumab, eculzumab, efalixumab, gemtuzumab, golimumab, ibritumomab tiuxetan, infliximab, ipilimumab, muromonab-CD3, ofatumumab, palivizumab, panitumumab, ranibizumab, rituximab, tocilizumab, tositumomab and trastuzumab.

In one embodiment antibodies of interest include those which are approved or in development for a cancer indication, for example trastuzumab, tositumomab, rituximab, panitumumab, ofatumumab, ipilimumab, ibritumomab tiuxetan, gemtuzumab, denosumab, cetuximab, brentuximab vedotin, avastin and adalimumab.

Specific as employed herein is intended to refer to an antibody or fragment that only recognises the antigen to which it is specific or to an antibody or fragment that has significantly higher binding affinity to the antigen to which is specific in comparison to its binding affinity to antigens to which it is not specific, for example 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 times higher binding affinity.

Advantageously, the adenoviruses of the present disclosure can express full length and ScFv forms of antibodies.

In one embodiment the adenovirus expresses full length anti-human VEGF antibody.

In one embodiment the expression of full length anti-human VEGF antibody is under the control of an endogenous promoter, such as the Major late promoter (MLP).

In one embodiment the adenovirus expresses the ScFv form of anti-human VEGF antibody.

In one embodiment the expression of the ScFv form of anti-human VEGF antibody is under the control of an endogenous promoter, such as the Major late promoter.

In one embodiment the adenovirus expresses full length anti-human PD-L1 antibody.

In one embodiment the expression of full length anti-human PD-L1 antibody is under the control of an endogenous promoter, such as the Major late promoter (MLP).

In one embodiment the adenovirus expresses the ScFv form of anti-human PD-L1 antibody.

In one embodiment the expression of the ScFv form of anti-human PD-L1 antibody is under the control of an endogenous promoter, such as the Major late promoter. In one embodiment the sequence encoding the antibody or antibody fragment comprise or further comprises an internal ribosome entry sequence. Internal ribosome entry sequence (IRES) as employed herein means a nucleotide sequence that allows for translation initiation in the middle of a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence.

In one embodiment the sequence encoding the antibody or antibody fragment further comprises a polyadenylation signal.

In one embodiment the antibody light chain comprises a CL domain, either kappa or lambda.

In one embodiment the coding sequence encodes an antibody heavy chain an antibody light chain or an antibody fragment.

In one embodiment the antibody is an anti-VEGF antibody. For example, such as Bevacizumab.

In one embodiment the antibody is a checkpoint inhibitor antibody, for example anti-PD-L1. Heavy chain (HC) as employed herein refers to the large polypeptide subunit of an antibody. Light chain (LC) as employed herein refers to the small polypeptide subunit of an antibody.

Thus in one embodiment the B_(Y) represents a splice acceptor sequence (such as CAGG), a KOZAK sequence, a gene encoding a heavy chain of an antibody or fragment, a P2A sequence, a gene encoding a light chain sequence of antibody, and polyA tail. Various cassette designs are shown in FIG. 4.

Known antibodies or antibody-binding fragments can be employed to generate alternative antibody formats with the same CDRs or the same variable regions. For example, a full-length antibody can readily be converted into a Fab, Fab′ or ScFv fragment.

A wide range of different forms of antibody may be employed in constructs of the present disclosure including antibody molecules from non-human animals, human antibody molecules, humanised antibody molecules and chimeric antibody molecules.

In one embodiment the antibody or binding fragment is monoclonal. Monoclonal antibodies may be prepared by any method known in the art such as the hybridoma technique (Kohler & Milstein, 1975, Nature, 256:495-497), the trioma technique, the human B-cell hybridoma technique (Kozbor et al., 1983, Immunology Today, 4:72) and the EBV-hybridoma technique (Cole et al., Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, pp77-96, Alan R Liss, Inc., 1985).

In one embodiment the antibody or binding fragment is non-human, i.e. completely from non-human origin. Advantageously, the viruses of the present disclosure allow the transgenes to be transported inside the cancerous cell. Thus, responses generated by the human patient to a non-human sequence (such as a protein) can be minimised by this intra-cellular delivery.

In one embodiment the antibody is chimeric, for example has human constant region(s) and non-human variable regions.

In one embodiment the antibody or binding fragment is human, i.e. from completely human origin.

In one embodiment the antibody or binding fragment is humanised. Humanised antibodies (which include CDR-grafted antibodies) are antibody molecules having one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) from a non-human species and a framework region from a human immunoglobulin molecule (see, for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,089; WO91/09967). It will be appreciated that it may only be necessary to transfer the specificity determining residues of the CDRs rather than the entire CDR (see for example, Kashmiri et al., 2005, Methods, 36, 25-34). Humanised antibodies may optionally further comprise one or more framework residues derived from the non-human species from which the CDRs were derived.

The constant region domains of the antibody molecule of the present invention, if present, may be selected having regard to the proposed function of the antibody molecule, and in particular the effector functions which may be required. For example, the constant region domains may be human IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG or IgM domains. In particular, human IgG constant region domains may be used, especially of the IgG1 and IgG3 isotypes when the antibody molecule is intended for therapeutic uses and antibody effector functions are required. Alternatively, IgG2 and IgG4 isotypes may be used when the antibody molecule is intended for therapeutic purposes and antibody effector functions are not required, e.g. for simply agonising activity or for target neutralization. It will be appreciated that sequence variants of these constant region domains may also be used. For example IgG4 molecules in which the serine at position 241 has been changed to proline as described in Angal et al., Molecular Immunology, 1993, 30 (1), 105-108 may be used. It will also be understood by one skilled in the art that antibodies may undergo a variety of posttranslational modifications. The type and extent of these modifications often depends on the host cell line used to express the antibody as well as the culture conditions. Such modifications may include variations in glycosylation, methionine oxidation, diketopiperazine formation, aspartate isomerization and asparagine deamidation. A frequent modification is the loss of a carboxy-terminal basic residue (such as lysine or arginine) due to the action of carboxypeptidases (as described in Harris, R J. Journal of Chromatography 705:129-134, 1995). Accordingly, the C-terminal lysine of the antibody heavy chain may be absent.

In one embodiment the antibody light chain comprises a CL domain, either kappa or lambda. Antibodies for use in the present disclosure may be obtained using any suitable a method known in the art. The antigen polypeptide/protein including fusion proteins, including cells (recombinantly or naturally) expressing the polypeptide (such as activated T cells) can be used to produce antibodies which specifically recognise the antigen. The polypeptide may be the ‘mature’ polypeptide or a biologically active fragment or derivative thereof.

Polypeptides, for use to immunise a host, may be prepared by processes well known in the art from genetically engineered host cells comprising expression systems or they may be recovered from natural biological sources. In the present application, the term “polypeptides” includes peptides, polypeptides and proteins. These are used interchangeably unless otherwise specified. The antigen polypeptide may in some instances be part of a larger protein such as a fusion protein for example fused to an affinity tag.

Antibodies generated against the antigen polypeptide may be obtained, where immunisation of an animal is necessary, by administering the polypeptides to an animal, preferably a non-human animal, using well-known and routine protocols, see for example Handbook of Experimental Immunology, D. M. Weir (ed.), Vol 4, Blackwell Scientific Publishers, Oxford, England, 1986). Many warm-blooded animals, such as rabbits, mice, rats, sheep, cows, camels or pigs may be immunised. However, mice, rabbits, pigs and rats are generally most suitable.

Antibodies for use in the invention may also be generated using single lymphocyte antibody methods by cloning and expressing immunoglobulin variable region cDNAs generated from single lymphocytes selected for the production of specific antibodies by, for example, the methods described by Babcook, J. et al., 1996, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93(15):7843-78481; WO92/02551; WO2004/051268 and International Patent Application number WO2004/106377.

Screening for antibodies can be performed using assays to measure binding to antigen and/or assays to measure the ability to antagonise the receptor. An example of a binding assay is an ELISA, in particular, using a fusion protein (optionally comprising a reporter), which is immobilized on plates, and employing a conjungated secondary antibody to detect anti-antigen antibody bound to the fusion protein.

Regulatory Elements

“Regulator of gene expression” (or regulator/regulatory element) as employed herein refers to a genetic feature, such as a promoter, enhancer or a splice acceptor sequence that plays a role in gene expression, typically by initiating or enhancing transcription or translation.

When under the control of an endogenous promoter, the cassette is inserted in the appropriate orientation to be under the control of said endogenous promoter. That is, where the promoter is generally on the antisense strand, the cassette is inserted in the antisense orientation. The cassette will generally comprise a splice acceptor sequence when under the control of an endogenous promoter.

Promoter as employed herein means a region of DNA that initiates transcription of a particular gene or genes. Promoters are generally located proximal to the genes they transcribe, on the same strand and upstream (i.e. 5′) on the DNA. Proximal as employed in this context means sufficiently close to function as a promoter. In one embodiment the promoter is within 100 bp of the transcription start site.

Endogenous promoter as employed herein refers to a promoter that naturally occurs in (is native to) the adenovirus into which the transgene, is being inserted. In one or more embodiments the endogenous promoter employed is the naturally occurring promoter in the virus in its original location in the virus genome, in particular this is the primary or only promoter employed in the expression of the transgene or transgenes. In one embodiment the endogenous promoter used to promote the translation and optionally the transcription of the transgene is one resident, i.e. is one integrated in the genome of the adenovirus and not previously introduced by recombinant techniques.

The endogenous promoters in the virus can, for example, be utilised by employing a gene encoding a transgene and a splice acceptor sequence. Thus in one embodiment the coding sequence, for example the sequence encoding the antibody or antibody binding fragment further comprises a splice acceptor sequence.

In one embodiment an endogenous promoter is introduced into the viral genome at a desired location by recombinant techniques, for example is introduced in the transgene cassette.

In one embodiment the transgene, transgenes, or transgene cassette are under the control of an E4 promoter or a major late promoter.

Under the control of as employed herein means that the transgene is activated, i.e. transcribed, when a particular promoter dictates.

The Major Late Promoter (or MLP) as employed herein refers to the adenovirus promoter that controls expression of the “late expressed” genes, such as the L5 gene. The MLP is a “sense strand” promoter. That is, the promoter influences genes that are downstream of the promoter in the 5′-3′ direction. The major late promoter as employed herein refers the original major late promoter located in the virus genome.

E4 promoter as employed herein refers to the adenovirus promoter of the E4 region. The E4 region is an antisense region; therefore the promoter is an antisense promoter. That is, the promoter is upstream of the E4 region in the 3′-5′ direction. Therefore any transgene cassette under control of the E4 promoter must be oriented appropriately. In one embodiment the cassette under the control of the E4 promoter is in the antisense orientation. The E4 promoter as employed herein refers to the original E4 promoter located in the virus genome.

Thus in one embodiment there is provided a replication competent oncolytic adenovirus serotype 11 or virus-derivative thereof wherein the fibre, hexon and capsid are serotype 11, wherein the virus genome comprises a DNA sequence encoding a therapeutic antibody or antibody-binding fragment, said DNA sequence under the control of a promoter endogenous to the adenovirus selected from consisting of E4 and the major late promoter (i.e. the E4 promoter or the major late promoter), such that the transgene does not interfere with virus replication, for example located after L5 in the virus genome.

Typically, when under the control of an endogenous promoter, the coding sequence will be immediately preceded by a KOZAK sequence. That is when the coding region initiation codon (AUG) is in the context of the sequence (gcc)gccRccAUGG (SEQ ID NO: 11) that plays a major role in the initiation of translation, wherein a lower case letter denotes the most common base at a position where the base can nevertheless vary; upper case letters indicate highly-conserved bases, i.e. the ‘AUGG’ sequence (SEQ ID NO: 12) is constant or rarely, if ever, changes; ‘R’ indicates that a purine (adenine or guanine) is always observed at this position and the sequence in brackets (gcc) is of uncertain significance. Thus in one embodiment the initiation codon AUG is in the context of the consensus KOZAK sequence.

In one embodiment the transgene cassette comprises an exogenous promoter. Exogenous promoter as employed herein refers to a promoter that is not naturally occurring in the adenovirus into which the transgene is being inserted. Typically exogenous promoters are from other viruses or are mammalian promoters. Exogenous promoter as employed herein means a DNA element, usually located upstream of the gene of interest, that regulates the transcription of the gene.

In one embodiment the regulator of gene expression is an exogenous promoter, for example CMV (cytomegalovirus promoter), CBA (chicken beta actin promoter) or PGK (phosphoglycerate kinase 1 promoter), such as CMV.

In one embodiment there is provided a replication competent oncolytic adenovirus serotype 11 or virus-derivative thereof wherein the fibre, hexon and capsid are serotype 11, wherein the virus genome comprises a DNA sequence encoding a therapeutic antibody or antibody-binding fragment located in a part of the virus genome which is expressed late in the virus replication cycle and such that the transgene does not interfere with virus replication, wherein said DNA sequence under the control of a promoter exogenous to the adenovirus (for example the CMV promoter).

In one embodiment the exogenous promoter is an antigen-presenting cell promoter. Antigen-presenting cell promoter as employed herein refers to a promoter for a gene that is selectively expressed by antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells or macrophages. Such genes include but are not limited to: FLT-3, FLT-3 ligand, TLRs, CD1a, CD1c, CD11b, CD11c, CD80, CD83, CD86, CD123, CD172a, CD205, CD207, CD209, CD273, CD281, CD283, CD286, CD289, CD287, CXCR4, GITR Ligand, IFN-α2, IL-12, IL-23, ILT1, ILT2, ILT3, ILT4, ILT5, ILT7, TSLP Receptor, CD141, CD303, CADM1, CLEC9a, XCR1 or CD304; antigen processing and presentation mediators such as CTIIA or GILT. Thus in one embodiment the exogenous promoter is suitable for expression of said genes.

In one embodiment an mRNA or each mRNA is/are terminate in a polyadenylation signal sequence, such as typically terminates an mRNA sequence, for example as shown in SEQ ID NO: 6. Thus one embodiment the transgene or the transgene cassette comprises at least one sequence encoding a polyadenylation signal sequence.

“PolyA”, “Polyadenylation signal” or “polyadenylation sequence” as employed herein means a DNA sequence, usually containing an AATAAA site, that once transcribed can be recognised by a multiprotein complex that cleaves and polyadenylates the nascent mRNA molecule. In one embodiment the polyadenylation sequence has the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.

In one embodiment the construct does not include a polyadenylation sequence. In one embodiment the regulator of gene expression is a splice acceptor sequence.

“Splice acceptor sequence”, “splice acceptor” or “splice site” as employed herein refers to a regulatory sequence determining when an mRNA molecule will be recognised by small nuclear ribonucleoproteins of the spliceosome complex. Once assembled the spliceosome catalyses splicing between the splice acceptor site of the mRNA molecule to an upstream splice donor site producing a mature mRNA molecule that can be translated to produce a single polypeptide or protein.

Different sized splice acceptor sequences may be employed in the present invention and these can be described as short splice acceptor (small), splice acceptor (medium) and branched splice acceptor (large).

SSA as employed herein means a short splice acceptor, typically comprising just the splice site. SA as employed herein means a splice acceptor, typically comprising the short splice acceptor and the polypyrimidine tract. bSA as employed herein means a branched splice acceptor, typically comprising the short splice acceptor, polypyrimidine tract and the branch point. In one embodiment the splice acceptor sequence is selected from the group comprising: tgctaatctt cctttctctc ttcagg (SEQ ID NO: 30); tttctctctt cagg (SEQ ID NO: 31), and cagg.

In one embodiment the regulatory element is or comprises a KOZAK sequence, for example a splice site may be immediately proceeded or immediately followed by (i.e. followed in a 5′ to 3′ direction) by a consensus KOZAK sequence (for example CCACC). In one embodiment the splice site and the Kozak sequence are separated by 100 or less bp, for example 0-50 base pairs, such as 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 or 45 base pairs.

In one embodiment the splice acceptor sequence is followed by the KOZAK sequence, for example the two regulatory elements are in tandem

In one embodiment the regulatory element is or comprises an Internal Ribsome Entry sequence. IRES as employed herein means a nucleotide sequence that allows for translation initiation in the middle of a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence. This is particularly useful when the cassette encodes polycistronic mRNA. Using an IRES results in a polycistronic mRNA that is translated into multiple individual proteins or peptides. In one embodiment a particular IRES is only used once in the genome. This may have benefits with respect to stability of the genome.

In one embodiment the regulatory element is or comprises a “High self-cleavage efficiency 2A peptide” or “2A peptide” which as employed herein refers to a peptide which is efficiently cleaved following translation. Suitable 2A peptides include P2A, F2A, E2A and T2A. The redundancy in the DNA code may be utilised to generate a DNA sequence that is translated into the same 2A peptide. Using 2A peptides is particularly useful when the cassette encodes polycistronic mRNA. Using 2A peptides results in a single polypeptide chain being translated which is modified post-translation to generate multiple individual proteins or peptides.

The skilled person will appreciate that many possibilities exist for nucleic acid sequences that encode a given amino acid sequence due to codon redundancy, that silent nucleic acid base pair mutations are tolerated and all nucleic acid sequences that encode a given amino acid sequence as defined in any of the SEQ ID NO's are envisioned by the present disclosure.

In one embodiment the adenovirus of the present disclosure is an oncolytic virus which has an enhanced therapeutic index for cancer cells.

Viruses according to the present disclosure can be investigated for their preference for a specific tumour type by examination of its lytic potential in a panel of tumor cells, for example colon tumor cell lines include HT-29, DLD-1, LS174T, LS1034, SW403, HCT116, SW48, and Colo320DM. Any available colon tumour cell lines would be equally useful for such an evaluation. Prostate cell lines include DU145 and PC-3 cells. Pancreatic cell lines include Panc-1 cells. Breast tumour cell lines include MDA231 cell line and ovarian cell lines include the OVCAR-3 cell line. Hemopoietic cell lines include, but are not limited to, the Raji and Daudi B-lymphoid cells, K562 erythroblastoid cells, U937 myeloid cells, and HSB2 T-lymphoid cells. Other available tumour cell lines are equally useful.

Formulations

The present disclosure relates also extends to compositions comprising the virus of the disclosure, for example a pharmaceutical formulation of a virus as described herein.

In one embodiment there is provided a liquid parenteral formulation, for example for infusion or injection, of a replication capable oncolytic according to the present disclosure wherein the formulation provides a dose in the range of 1×10¹⁰ to 1×10¹⁴ viral particles per volume of dose. Parenteral formulation means a formulation designed not to be delivered through the GI tract. Typical parenteral delivery routes include injection, implantation or infusion. In one embodiment the formulation is provided in a form for bolus delivery.

In one embodiment the parenteral formulation is in the form of an injection. Injection includes intravenous, subcutaneous, intra-tumoral or intramuscular injection. Injection as employed herein means the insertion of liquid into the body via a syringe. In one embodiment the method of the present disclosure does not involve intra-tumoral injection.

In one embodiment the parenteral formulation is in the form of an infusion.

Infusion as employed herein means the administration of fluids at a slower rate by drip, infusion pump, syringe driver or equivalent device. In one embodiment the infusion is administered over a period in the range of 1.5 minutes to 120 minutes, such as about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 65, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, 110 or 115 minutes.

In one embodiment one dose of the formulation less than 100 mls, for example 30 mls, such as administered by a syringe driver.

In one embodiment the injection is administered as a slow injection, for example over a period of 1.5 to 30 minutes.

In one embodiment the formulation is for intravenous (i.v.) administration. This route is particularly effective for delivery of oncolytic virus because it allows rapid access to the majority of the organs and tissue and is particular useful for the treatment of metastases, for example established metastases especially those located in highly vascularised regions such as the liver and lungs.

Therapeutic formulations typically will be sterile and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. The composition can be formulated as a solution, microemulsion, liposome, or other parenteral formulation suitable for administration to a human and may be formulated as a pre-filled device such as a syringe or vial, particular as a single dose.

The formulation will generally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier, for example a non-toxic, isotonic carrier that is compatible with the virus, and in which the virus is stable for the requisite period of time.

The carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a dispersant or surfactant such as lecithin or a non-ionic surfactant such as polysorbate 80 or 40. In dispersions the maintenance of the required particle size may be assisted by the presence of a surfactant. Examples of isotonic agents include sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, or sodium chloride in the composition.

In one embodiment parenteral formulations employed may comprise on or more of the following a buffer, for example 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid, a phosphate buffer and/or a Tris buffer, a sugar for example dextrose, mannose, sucrose or similar, a salt such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride or potassium chloride, a detergent such as a non-ionic surfactant such as briji, PS-80, PS-40 or similar. The formulation may also comprise a preservative such as EDTA or ethanol or a combination of EDTA and ethanol, which are thought to prevent one or more pathways of possible degradation.

In one embodiment the formulation will comprise purified oncolytic virus according to the present disclosure, for example 1×10¹⁰ to 1×10¹⁴ viral particles per dose, such as 1×10¹⁰ to 1×10¹² viral particles per dose.

In one embodiment the concentration of virus in the formulation is in the range 2×10⁸ to 2×10¹⁴ vp/mL, such as 2×10¹² vp/ml.

In one embodiment the parenteral formulation comprises glycerol.

In one embodiment the formulation comprises oncolytic adenovirus as described herein, HEPES (N-2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-2-ethanesulfonic acid), glycerol and buffer.

In one embodiment the parenteral formulation consists of virus HEPES for example 5 mM, glycerol for example 5-20% (v/v), hydrochloric acid, for example to adjust the pH into the range 7-8 and water for injection.

In one embodiment 0.7 mL of ColoAd1 at a concentration of 2×10¹² vp/mL is formulated in 5 mM HEPES, 20% glycerol with a final pH of 7.8.

A comprehensive discussion of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers is available in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Mack Publishing Company, N.J. 1991).

In one embodiment the formulation is provided as a formulation for topical administrations including inhalation.

Suitable inhalable preparations include inhalable powders, metering aerosols containing propellant gases or inhalable solutions free from propellant gases. Inhalable powders according to the disclosure will generally contain a virus as described herein with a physiologically acceptable excipient.

These inhalable powders may include monosaccharides (e.g. glucose or arabinose), disaccharides (e.g. lactose, saccharose, maltose), oligo- and polysaccharides (e.g. dextranes), polyalcohols (e.g. sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol), salts (e.g. sodium chloride, calcium carbonate) or mixtures of these with one another. Mono- or disaccharides are suitably used, the use of lactose or glucose, particularly but not exclusively in the form of their hydrates.

Particles for deposition in the lung require a particle size less than 10 microns, such as 1-9 microns for example from 0.1 to 5 μm, in particular from 1 to 5 μm. The particle size of the carrying the virus is of primary importance and thus in one embodiment the virus according to the present disclosure may be adsorbed or absorbed onto a particle, such as a lactose particle of the given size.

The propellant gases which can be used to prepare the inhalable aerosols are known in the art. Suitable propellant gases are selected from among hydrocarbons such as n-propane, n-butane or isobutane and halohydrocarbons such as chlorinated and/or fluorinated derivatives of methane, ethane, propane, butane, cyclopropane or cyclobutane. The above-mentioned propellant gases may be used on their own or in mixtures thereof.

Particularly suitable propellant gases are halogenated alkane derivatives selected from among TG 11, TG 12, TG 134a and TG227. Of the abovementioned halogenated hydrocarbons, TG134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) and TG227 (1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane) and mixtures thereof are particularly suitable.

The propellant gas-containing inhalable aerosols may also contain other ingredients, such as cosolvents, stabilisers, surface-active agents (surfactants), antioxidants, lubricants and means for adjusting the pH. All these ingredients are known in the art.

The propellant gas-containing inhalable aerosols according to the invention may contain up to 5% by weight of active substance. Aerosols according to the invention contain, for example, 0.002 to 5% by weight, 0.01 to 3% by weight, 0.015 to 2% by weight, 0.1 to 2% by weight, 0.5 to 2% by weight or 0.5 to 1% by weight of active ingredient.

Alternatively topical administrations to the lung may also be by administration of a liquid solution or suspension formulation, for example employing a device such as a nebulizer, for example, a nebulizer connected to a compressor (e.g., the Pari LC-Jet Plus(R) nebulizer connected to a Pari Master(R) compressor manufactured by Pari Respiratory Equipment, Inc., Richmond, Va.).

The virus of the invention can be delivered dispersed in a solvent, e.g. in the form of a solution or a suspension, for example as already described above for parenteral formulations. It can be suspended in an appropriate physiological solution, e.g., saline or other pharmacologically acceptable solvent or a buffered solution. Buffered solutions known in the art may contain 0.05 mg to 0.15 mg disodium edetate, 8.0 mg to 9.0 mg NaCl, 0.15 mg to 0.25 mg polysorbate, 0.25 mg to 0.30 mg anhydrous citric acid, and 0.45 mg to 0.55 mg sodium citrate per 1 ml of water so as to achieve a pH of about 4.0 to 5.0.

The therapeutic suspensions or solution formulations can also contain one or more excipients. Excipients are well known in the art and include buffers (e.g., citrate buffer, phosphate buffer, acetate buffer and bicarbonate buffer), amino acids, urea, alcohols, ascorbic acid, phospholipids, proteins (e.g., serum albumin), EDTA, sodium chloride, liposomes, mannitol, sorbitol, and glycerol. Solutions or suspensions can be encapsulated in liposomes or biodegradable microspheres. The formulation will generally be provided in a substantially sterile form employing sterile manufacture processes.

This may include production and sterilization by filtration of the buffered solvent/solution used for the formulation, aseptic suspension of the antibody in the sterile buffered solvent solution and dispensing of the formulation into sterile receptacles by methods familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Nebulisable formulation according to the present disclosure may be provided, for example, as single dose units (e.g., sealed plastic containers or vials) packed in foil envelopes. Each vial contains a unit dose in a volume, e.g., 2 mL, of solvent/solution buffer.

In a further aspect the present disclosure extends to a virus or a formulation thereof as described herein for use in treatment, in particular for the treatment of cancer. In one embodiment the method of treatment is for use in the treatment of a tumour.

Tumour as employed herein is intended to refer to an abnormal mass of tissue that results from excessive cell division that is uncontrolled and progressive, also called a neoplasm. Tumours may be either benign (not cancerous) or malignant. Tumour encompasses all forms of cancer and metastases.

In one embodiment the tumour is a solid tumour. The solid tumour may be localised or metastasised.

In one embodiment the tumour is of epithelial origin.

In one embodiment the tumour is a malignancy, such as colorectal cancer, hepatoma, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, thyroid cancer, renal cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer or lung cancer.

In one embodiment the tumour is a colorectal malignancy. Malignancy as employed herein refers to cancerous cells.

In one embodiment the oncolytic adenovirus is employed in the treatment or prevention of metastasis. In one embodiment the virus or formulation herein is employed in the treatment of drug resistant cancers.

In one embodiment the virus is administered in combination with the administration of a further cancer treatment or therapy.

In one embodiment there is provided a virus or formulation according to the present disclosure for use in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer, for example a cancer described above.

In a further aspect there is provide a method of treating cancer comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a virus or formulation according to the present disclosure to a patient in need thereof, for example a human patient.

In one embodiment the oncolytic virus or formulation herein is administered in combination with another therapy.

“In combination” as employed herein is intended to encompass where the oncolytic virus is administered before, concurrently and/or post cancer treatment or therapy.

Cancer therapy includes surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and/or chemotherapy. Cancer treatment as employed herein refers to treatment with a therapeutic compound or biological agent, for example an antibody intended to treat the cancer and/or maintenance therapy thereof. In one embodiment the cancer treatment is selected from any other anti-cancer therapy including a chemotherapeutic agent, a targeted anticancer agent, radiotherapy, radio-isotope therapy or any combination thereof.

The oncolytic adenovirus may be used as a pre-treatment to the therapy, such as a surgery (neoadjuvant therapy), to shrink the tumour, to treat metastasis and/or prevent metastasis or further metastasis. The oncolytic adenovirus may be used after the therapy, such as a surgery (adjuvant therapy), to treat metastasis and/or prevent metastasis or further metastasis. Concurrently as employed herein is the administration of the additional cancer treatment at the same time or approximately the same time as the oncolytic adenovirus formulation. The treatment may be contained within the same formulation or administered as a separate formulation.

In one embodiment the virus is administered in combination with the administration of a chemotherapeutic agent.

Chemotherapeutic agent as employed herein is intended to refer to specific antineoplastic chemical agents or drugs that are selectively destructive to malignant cells and tissues. For example, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, anthracyclines, plant alkaloids, topoisomerase inhibitors, and other antitumour agents. Other examples of chemotherapy include doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), paclitaxel, capecitabine, irinotecan, and platins such as cisplatin and oxaliplatin. The preferred dose may be chosen by the practitioner based on the nature of the cancer being treated.

In one embodiment the therapeutic agent is ganciclovir, which may assist in controlling immune responses and/or tumour vasculation.

In one embodiment one or more therapies employed in the method herein are metronomic, that is a continuous or frequent treatment with low doses of anticancer drugs, often given concomitant with other methods of therapy.

Subgroup B oncolytic adenoviruses, in particular Ad11 and those derived therefrom such as ColoAd1 may be particularly synergistic with chemotherapeutics because they seem to have a mechanism of action that is largely independent of apoptosis, killing cancer cells by a predominantly necrolytic mechanism. Moreover, the immunosuppression that occurs during chemotherapy may allow the oncolytic virus to function with greater efficiency.

Therapeutic dose as employed herein refers to the amount of oncolytic adenovirus that is suitable for achieving the intended therapeutic effect when employed in a suitable treatment regimen, for example ameliorates symptoms or conditions of a disease. A dose may be considered a therapeutic dose in the treatment of cancer or metastases when the number of viral particles may be sufficient to result in the following: tumour or metastatic growth is slowed or stopped, or the tumour or metastasis is found to shrink in size, and/or the life span of the patient is extended. Suitable therapeutic doses are generally a balance between therapeutic effect and tolerable toxicity, for example where the side-effect and toxicity are tolerable given the benefit achieved by the therapy.

Thus there is provided a replication competent oncolytic adenovirus serotype 11 or virus-derivative thereof wherein the fibre, hexon and capsid are serotype 11, wherein the virus genome comprises a DNA sequence encoding a therapeutic antibody or antibody-binding fragment, wherein said DNA sequence is under the control of a promoter endogenous to the adenovirus selected from the group consisting of the E4 and the major late promoter, such that the transgene does not interfere with virus replication.

In one embodiment there is provide a replication competent oncolytic adenovirus serotype 11 or virus-derivative thereof wherein the fibre, hexon and capsid are serotype 11, wherein the virus genome comprises a DNA sequence encoding a therapeutic antibody or antibody-binding fragment located in a part of the virus genome which is expressed late in the virus replication cycle and such that the transgene does not interfere with virus replication, wherein said DNA sequence under the control of a promoter exogenous to the adenovirus.

Advantageously, when under the control of these promoters the virus remains replication competent and is also able to express the antibody as a full length antibody or a suitable binding fragment. Thus the antibody of choice will be expressed inside the cancer cell.

Employing an endogenous promoter may be advantageous because it reduces the size of the transgene cassette that needs to be incorporated to express the antibody or fragment, i.e. the cassette can be smaller because no exogenous promoter needs to be included.

Employing an endogenous promoter in the virus may also be advantageous in a therapeutic context because the transgene is only expressed when the virus is replicating as opposed to a constitutive exogenous promoter which will continually transcribe the transgene and may lead to an inappropriate concentration of the antibody or fragment. The latter may cause undesirable side-effects and therefore may be a safety issue or at least be difficult to control.

In one embodiment expression of the antibody or fragment is under the control of the major late promoter.

In one embodiment the expression of the antibody or fragment is under the control of the E4 promoter.

In one embodiment the DNA sequence encoding the antibody or fragment is located after the L5 gene in the virus sequence.

Employing an exogenous promoter may be advantageous because it can strongly and constitutively express the antibody or fragment, which may be particularly useful in some situations, for example where the patient has very pervasive cancer.

In one embodiment expression of the antibody or fragment is under the control of a CMV promoter.

In one embodiment the DNA sequence encoding the antibody or fragment is located after the L5 gene in the virus sequence. In one embodiment the exogenous promoter is associated with this DNA sequence, for example is part of the expression cassette encoding the antibody or fragment.

In one embodiment the antibody variable regions of an antibody or antibody fragment employed are between 95 and 100% similar or identical to the variable regions of bevacizumab (also known as Avastin®), such as 96, 97, 98 or 99% similar or identical.

The skilled person will appreciate that the armed adenovirus genome can be manufactured by other technical means, including entirely synthesising the genome. The skilled person will appreciate that in the event of synthesising the genome the region of insertion may not comprise the restriction site nucleotides that will be found following insertion of genes using cloning methods.

In one embodiment the armed adenovirus genome is entirely synthetically manufactured.

The disclosure herein further extends to an adenovirus of formula (I) or a subformula thereof, obtained or obtainable from inserting a transgene or transgene cassette. In the context of this specification “comprising” is to be interpreted as “including”.

Embodiments of the invention comprising certain elements are also intended to extend to alternative embodiments “consisting” or “consisting essentially” of the relevant elements.

Where technically appropriate, embodiments of the invention may be combined.

Embodiments are described herein as comprising certain features/elements. The disclosure also extends to separate embodiments consisting or consisting essentially of said features/elements.

Technical references such as patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Any embodiments specifically and explicitly recited herein may form the basis of a disclaimer either alone or in combination with one or more further embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 Shows schematics of EnAd, Ad11p, NG-184 and NG-186 genomes

FIG. 2A Shows photographs of complete virus particle bands on a CsCl gradient. The positions of the bands are shown with an arrow, and the expected position of the complete band for NG-184 is also shown.

FIG. 2B Shows a photograph of a complete virus particle band on a CsCl gradient for Ad11p.

FIG. 2C Shows the total genomes produced/ml of harvested material following infection for 48hrs of 293 cells with either EnAd, NG-184 or NG-186.

FIG. 2D Shows total genomes produced per cell for EnAd or Ad11p during a tumour cell infection.

FIG. 2E. Shows relative infectious virus particle titre produced from EnAd or Ad11p infected tumour cells during infection.

FIG. 3 Shows the cytopathic effect in EnAd or NG-184 cell monolayers 48 hrs post-infection with 330 ppc (upper panels). To achieve a similar cytopathic effect to EnAd 1650 ppc of NG-184 were used (lower panel).

FIG. 4 Shows various transgene cassette designs.

SEQUENCES: 1 EnAd genome, 2 A non-coding sequence suitable for inclusion into B_(X), 3 A non-coding sequence suitable for inclusion into B_(Y), 4 & 5 A restriction site, 6 A polyadenylation sequence, 7 The E3 region from EnAd, 8 The E2B region from EnAd, 9 Anti-VEGF ab VH chain, 10 Anti-PD-L1 antibody VH chain, 11 Anti-VEGF ab VL chain, 12 Anti-PD-L1 antibody VL chain amino acid sequence, 13 Human IgG1 constant heavy chain, 14 Human IgG1 modified constant heavy chain, 15 Human kappa constant light chain, 16 Anti-VEGF scFv amino acid sequence, 17 Anti-PD-L1 ScFv, 18 GFP, 19 Luciferase, 20 Human Tumour necrosis factor alpha, 21 Human Interferon gamma, 22 Human Interferon alpha, 23 NY-ESO-1, 24 Human MUC-1, 25 Sodium Iodide symporter, 26 Anti-CTLA-4 VH chain, 27 Anti-CTLA-4 VL, 28 NG-184 genome, 29 NG-186 genome, and 30 & 31 splice acceptor.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Synthesis of Chimeric Ad11p: EnAd Viral Genomes

To investigate the properties of the changes in the E2B and E4 regions of the EnAd genome compared to the parental genome, Ad11p, two chimeric Ad11p:EnAd viral genomes were designed and generated synthetically by Gibson Assembly methods (SGI DNA, La Jolla, Calif.) The first synthetic genome, designated NG-184, consists of the EnAd genome, including the EnAd chimeric E2B region (black), but has the E4 region of the parental virus Ad11p (black with hatched white lines). As such the 25bp deletion present in EnAd E4orf4 (black) is no longer present in this virus; the virus produces an intact Ad11p E4orf4 protein.

The second synthetic genome, designated NG-186, consists of the EnAd viral genome but has the E2B region of the parental virus Ad11p (black with hatched white lines). As such the chimeric Ad11p/Ad3 E2B gene region of this virus has been entirely replaced with the Ad11p E2B gene region, but this virus retains the 25bp deletion in E4orf4

Schematics of the genomes of EnAd, Ad11p, NG-184 and NG-186 genomes are shown in FIG. 1.

Example 2 Characterisation of the Effect of EnAd E2B and E4 Region Alterations Compared to EnAd or Ad11p on Virus Growth and Particle Production Virus Purification:

EnAd, NG-184 or NG-186 genomes were purified by phenol/chloroform extraction. The extracted DNA was then precipitated for 16 hrs, −20° C. in 300 μl>95% molecular biology grade ethanol and 10 μl 3M Sodium Acetate.

The precipitated DNA was pelleted by centrifuging at 14000 rpm, 5 mins and was washed in 500 μl 70% ethanol, before centrifuging again, 14000 rpm, 5 mins. The clean DNA pellet was air dried, resuspended in 500 μl OptiMEM containing 15 μl lipofectamine transfection reagent and incubated for 30 mins, RT. The transfection mixture was then added to 293 cells which were then incubated at 37° C., 5% CO₂.

The production of virus was monitored by observation of a significant cytopathic effect (CPE) in the cell monolayer. Once extensive CPE was observed the virus was harvested from 293 cells by three freeze-thaw cycles. All three viruses, EnAd, NG-184 and NG-186 showed significant CPE within 1-2 weeks post transfection and harvested material was therefore used to re-infect 293 cells in order to amplify the virus stocks. These virus stocks were then used in one further amplification step and purification by caesium chloride banding was attempted. During this final amplification step EnAd, NG-184 and NG-186 showed significant CPE before harvesting, however, complete virus particles could only be detected during CsCL banding for EnAd and NG-186 infected cells (FIG. 2A). Repeat of this process and comparison to historical data to Ad11p (FIG. 2B) confirmed that while EnAd, Ad11p and NG-186 can all yield enough intact virus particles from the virus production process to form a defined band on the gradient, NG-184 infection is unable to do this.

Virus Replication (qPCR):

To determine if this difference in ability to produce functional virus particles could be linked to virus replication, EnAd, NG-184 and NG-186 seed stocks were used to infect 293 cells for 48 hrs and then the supernatants and cells harvested to assess total genome production during infection. Virus material was harvested from infected cells and supernatant using three freeze-thaw cycles. Total DNA was then extracted from the lysed stocks using the Sigma Genelute DNA extraction Kit, according to the manufacturer's protocol. A standard curve using EnAd virus particles (2.5×10¹⁰ to 2.5×10⁵ vp) was also prepared and extracted using the Sigma Genelute Kit. Each extracted sample or standard was analysed by qPCR using an EnAd E3 gene specific primer-probe set Quantification of the number of detected virus genomes per cell demonstrated that viruses encoding the EnAd E2B region (both EnAd and NG-184) produced similar levels of total genomes in the 293 cell line. NG-186, which contains the Ad11p E2B region, produced a lower level of total genomes during the first 48 hrs of infection (FIG. 2C). This data was consistent with a separate experiment in which EnAd and Ad11 p replication was compared by qPCR over a time course of infection, which demonstrated that EnAd produces a higher level of total genomes per cell than parental Ad11 p and a higher number of infectious virus particles (FIG. 2D and 2E).

These data indicated that the E2B region likely determines the kinetics of virus replication in a cell, as regardless of other genomic changes in the viruses tested, those containing the Ad11p E2B produced lower total genomes in 48hrs than viruses containing the EnAd E2B. Importantly, these data showed that a defect in the amount of genome replication was not responsible for the lack of NG-184 virus particles detected by CsCl banding.

Virus Amplification:

To investigate if fewer intact virus particles are being produced by NG-184 compared to EnAd during infection we monitored the production of a cytopathic effect in a cell monolayer infected with a high MOl of 330 particles per cell for EnAd or NG-184 or also a 5 fold higher MOl of 1650 ppc for NG-184. These data revealed that the cytopathic effect of the NG-184 virus was diminished compared to EnAd and that an input of ˜5 fold higher amounts of NG-184 virus was required to produce a similar cytopathic effect to EnAd (FIG. 3) despite the replication data being equivalent (FIG. 2C). Taking the replication, amplification and purification data together and given that the only genomic difference between EnAd and NG-184 is the E4orf 4 deletion these data indicate that the presence of an intact E4orf4 (from Ad11p) limits the ability of an infected cell to convert replicated virus genomes into intact infectious virus particles, and/or the truncated protein product of the E4orf4 from EnAd containing the 25bp deletion has an increased ability to drive intact particle production from the increased genome production driven by EnAd's E2B region.

Importantly this implies that there may be an essential balance maintained in EnAd's genome between the E2B and E4 regions, which contributes to its enhanced virus production kinetics and oncolytic activity in cells. An optimised oncolytic virus would therefore preferably contain both a chimeric E2B and deletion/partial deletion/truncation of E4 orf4

These results therefore demonstrate that E4orf4 deletion plays an important role in supporting virus particle production, in particular when the virus comprises a chimeric E2B region, which increases the rate of virus replication relative to the parent virus. 

We claim:
 1. A group B adenovirus comprising a sequence of formula (I): 5′ITR-B₁-B_(A)-B₂-B_(X)-B_(B)-B_(Y)-B₃-3′ITR wherein: B₁ is a bond or comprises: E1A, E1B or E1A-E1B; B_(A) is E2B-L1-L2-L3-E2A-L4; B₂ is a transgene or a DNA sequence from an E3 region encoding protein selected from the group consisting of a 12.1K, 16.1K, 18.5K, 20.3K, 20.6K, 10.3K, 15.2K, 15.3K and combinations thereof including all said E3 proteins; B_(X) is a bond or a DNA sequence comprising: a restriction site, one or more transgenes or both; B_(B) is L5; B_(Y) is a bond or a DNA sequence comprising: a restriction site, one or more transgenes or both; B₃ is an E4 region wherein the E4orf4 is deleted, partially deleted, truncated or non-functional, wherein the transgene does not comprise a non-biased insertion transposon.
 2. An adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the E2B element of B_(A) is chimeric, for example an Ad3/Ad1 1 chimeric sequence, such as a sequence of SEQ ID NO:
 8. 3. An adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein B₂ is a transgene.
 4. An adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein B_(X) is a transgene.
 5. An adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein B_(Y) is a transgene.
 6. An adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more transgenes is in the form of a transgene cassette.
 7. An adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more transgenes or transgene cassette is under the control of an endogenous promoter, for example the major late promoter.
 8. An adenovirus according to claim 6, wherein the transgene cassette further comprises a splice acceptor sequence, e.g. selected from the group comprising SSA, SA or BSA.
 9. An adenovirus according to claim 6, wherein the transgene cassette further comprises an internal ribosome entry sequence.
 10. An adenovirus according to claim 6, wherein the transgene cassette further comprises a Kozak sequence, for example at the start of the protein coding sequence.
 11. An adenovirus according to claim 6, wherein the transgene cassette encodes a high self-cleavage efficiency 2A peptide.
 12. An adenovirus according to claim 6, wherein the transgene cassette further comprises a polyadenylation sequence.
 13. An adenovirus according to claim 6, wherein at least one transgene cassette encodes monocistronic mRNA.
 14. An adenovirus according to claim 6, wherein at least one transgene cassette encodes a polycistronic mRNA.
 15. An adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein B_(Y) comprises the transgene or transgene cassette.
 16. An adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the transgene encodes an RNAi sequence, a peptide or a protein, for example which targets one or more of the following: stimulatory T-cell co-receptors or ligands thereto, checkpoint inhibitory T-cell co-receptor molecules or ligands thereto, cytokines or cytokine receptors, chemokines or chemokine receptors.
 17. An adenovirus according to claim 16, wherein: a. the RNAi, peptide or protein targets one or more of the following: stimulatory T-cell co-receptors or ligands thereto, checkpoint inhibitory T-cell co-receptor molecules or ligands thereto, cytokines or cytokine receptors, chemokines or chemokine receptors, b. the stimulatory T-cell receptor or ligand thereto is selected from OX40, OX40 ligand, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD40 ligand, CD70, CD137, GITR, 4-1BB, ICOS and ICOS ligand, for example CD28, CD80, CD86, CD40 and CD40 ligand, c. the checkpoint inhibitory T-cell co-receptor molecule or ligand thereto is selected from CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, VISTA, B7-H3, B7-H4, HVEM, ILT-2, ILT-3, ILT-4, TIM-3, LAG-3, BTLA, LIGHT and CD160, for example CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2, d. the chemokine or chemokine receptor is selected from IL-8, CCL5, CCL17, CCL20, CCL22, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL13, CXCL12, CCL2, CCL19, CCL21, CXCR2, CCR2, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5 and CRTH2, for example CCL5, CXCL9, CXCL12, CCL2, CCL19, CCL21, CXCR2, CCR2, CCR4 and CXCR4, and/or e. the cytokine or cytokine receptor is selected from IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-9, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IL-18, IL-22, IL-23, IL-24, IL-25, IL-26, IL-27, IL-33, IL-35, Interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-10, IL-15, IL-21, IL-25, IL-1RA, IFNα, IFNβ, IFN_(γ, TNFα, TGFβ, lymphotoxin α (LTA)□ and GM-CSF, for example IL-)12, IL-18, IL-22, IL-7, IL-15, IL-21, IFN_(γ), TNFα, TGFβ and lymphotoxin α (LTA).
 18. An adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the transgene is a reporter gene, for example sodium iodide symporter, intracellular metalloproteins, HSV1-tk, GFPs, luciferase or oestrogen receptor, for example sodium iodide symporter.
 19. An adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the transgene encodes an antibody or binding fragment thereof.
 20. An adenovirus according to claim 1 wherein the adenovirus is: a. serotype 11, for example Ad11p, b. is chimeric, such as EnAd, and/or c. oncolytic.
 21. An adenovirus according to claim 1, wherein the adenovirus is replication competent.
 22. A pharmaceutical formulation comprising a virus as defined in claim 1, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, diluent and/or carrier. 